Health ministry reports 412 new A(H1N1) cases

BANGKOK, July 15 (TNA) – Thailand’s Disease Control Department reported 412 new Influenza A (H1N1) cases on Wednesday, raising the country’s total cases to 4,469 while the death toll stands at 24.

Six H1N1 cases remain hospitalised at the moment, said Dr. Somchai Chakrabhand, director-general of the Department of Disease Control.

The number of new infections, which is reported daily on the website of the Ministry of Public Health, will be updated weekly every Wednesday to avoid confusion, he added.

Speaking about the anti H1N1 vaccine, he said Thailand ordered two million doses available in October to be used for medical staff and at risk groups who have chronic diseases or congenital diseases.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), on Tuesday announced the temporary closure of its schools and childcare centres for five days from July 15 to 19 for a large-scale clean-up in an attempt to contain the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.

The BMA will distribute hygienic masks and thermometers to the 435 schools under its authority. (TNA)