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183372
Fri, 05/20/2011 - 14:52
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http://m.oananews.org//node/183372
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Thai Health Ministry warns of diseases during the wet season
BANGKOK, May 20 (TNA) - Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has confirmed prevalence in cases of hemorrhagic or “dengue” fever in the country, while saying it has ordered provincial health officials to seek cooperation with local communities in the safeguarding against illnesses, especially now that the wet season approaches.
The ministry’s permanent secretary Dr. Paichit Warachit, said on Friday the country’s wet season was expected to arrive earlier than usual this year, and will likely cause illnesses, such as dengue fever, which is common in children, and as statistics show, is increasing among adolescents now too.
Dr. Paichit noted that in the past doctors have been unaware of the spread of dengue fever, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, further health complications, and even death. In this regard, he said, hospitals and doctors across the country have been urged to conduct strict medical examinations, while giving timely and appropriate treatment where necessary, in order to effectively prevent a related-outbreak, and minimise unnecessary fatalities.
Furthermore, the ministry’s permanent secretary acknowledged that currently there is no vaccine for dengue fever, and therefore believes that the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds was the best solution, for it reduces the number of mosquito-borne diseases.
To this end, the permanent secretary urged all households to adhere to his ministry’s five-point strategy, in eliminating mosquito larvae, including sealing unattended water containers, replacing vases and plant containers with fresh water every week; and cleaning all residential areas thoroughly, ensuring that all of the above are carried out routinely.
Statistics during the period January to May 18 this year showed a total of 9,418 cases of dengue fever, representing about 14.83 per cent out of every 100,000 people, but also marked a drop from the same period in 2010, which stood at about 42 per cent.
The recent January-May period also identified Thailand’s central region with the most number of dengue fever cases at about 5,244, followed by the southern region with about 1,796 cases, the north about 1,374 cases, the northeastern about 1,004, while the public health ministry’s 6th district office recorded about 658 cases. Out of these there have been at least seven fatalities across the country. (TNA)
The ministry’s permanent secretary Dr. Paichit Warachit, said on Friday the country’s wet season was expected to arrive earlier than usual this year, and will likely cause illnesses, such as dengue fever, which is common in children, and as statistics show, is increasing among adolescents now too.
Dr. Paichit noted that in the past doctors have been unaware of the spread of dengue fever, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, further health complications, and even death. In this regard, he said, hospitals and doctors across the country have been urged to conduct strict medical examinations, while giving timely and appropriate treatment where necessary, in order to effectively prevent a related-outbreak, and minimise unnecessary fatalities.
Furthermore, the ministry’s permanent secretary acknowledged that currently there is no vaccine for dengue fever, and therefore believes that the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds was the best solution, for it reduces the number of mosquito-borne diseases.
To this end, the permanent secretary urged all households to adhere to his ministry’s five-point strategy, in eliminating mosquito larvae, including sealing unattended water containers, replacing vases and plant containers with fresh water every week; and cleaning all residential areas thoroughly, ensuring that all of the above are carried out routinely.
Statistics during the period January to May 18 this year showed a total of 9,418 cases of dengue fever, representing about 14.83 per cent out of every 100,000 people, but also marked a drop from the same period in 2010, which stood at about 42 per cent.
The recent January-May period also identified Thailand’s central region with the most number of dengue fever cases at about 5,244, followed by the southern region with about 1,796 cases, the north about 1,374 cases, the northeastern about 1,004, while the public health ministry’s 6th district office recorded about 658 cases. Out of these there have been at least seven fatalities across the country. (TNA)
