Thailand’s health agency gears up for possible water-borne diseases

BANGKOK, November 5 (TNA) - Dr Kumnaun Aungchusak, Director of the Bureau of Epidemiology, under the Department of Disease Control, admits to rising concerns about the government’s ability to cope with public health issues during Thailand’s worst flood in half a century. In an interview with TNA, Dr Kumnaun said even though the floods have receded in some areas, the risks of infection are still a threat. Dr Kumnaun pointed out that there have been many incidences of communicable diseases during the recent crisis since flood victims have poor access to clean water, food and sanitation--more than 2.1 million Thais have seriously been affected. Dr Kumnaun said the Department of Disease Control has set up teams of medical personnel and sanitary experts for dispatch to government-run shelters and flood-affected communities, where they collect samples of foods and drinking water and give out Effective Micro-organism balls to treat the water. Evacuees are also taught of basic health care, garbage separation as well as general disease protection and prevention, the official added. Two-thirds of Thailand have been affected by the worst flooding in half a century, and more than 400 people have lost their lives. (TNA)