ID :
80214
Wed, 09/16/2009 - 14:15
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/80214
The shortlink copeid
Thailand confirms 11 new deaths from A(H1N1) virus
NONTHABURI, Sept 16 (TNA) – Thailand’s Public Health Ministry on Wednesday confirmed 11 new deaths from Influenza Type A(H1N1), bringing the country's total death toll to 153, according to Dr Paijit Varachit, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health.
The ministry issued its weekly report on the situation of the A(H1N1) flu pandemic in Thailand from September 6-12, confirming 11 new deaths, including six male and five female patients.
Dr Paijit said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned the second wave of the A(H1N1) flu epidemic and the ministry was on full alert to response the spread of virus.
He said the outbreak in Bangkok and its adjacent provinces has gradually decreased while it has continuously spread in other provinces.
All health centres nationwide were instructed to provide good care to all patients. If there are suspect cases, physicians should presume the patient is infected with the virus and medication should be given without waiting for results of the lab test to confirm the case, in order to reduce the number of deaths.
The ministry has prepared teams of experts to visit the provinces and give consultation, he said, adding that the antiviral drug Oseltamivir was distributed to all hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Dr Paijit said that October-November will be a high-risk period as the virus could spread in the countryside due to the school holidays. Many boarding students will return to their hometowns, with some students passing time at internet shops and attending holiday classes at tutorial schools. Many students volunteer for rural development camps.
Perhaps the most dangerous venue for possible contagion, Dr Paijit said, is attending activities associated with the biggest crowds, especially Loy Krathong.
All these activities provide venues that could spread the virus, he said.
The ministry asked for cooperation from the governors and provincial health officials to strictly continue anti-flu measures and publicise the guidelines to prevent the flu to spread to the public, he said. (TNA)
The ministry issued its weekly report on the situation of the A(H1N1) flu pandemic in Thailand from September 6-12, confirming 11 new deaths, including six male and five female patients.
Dr Paijit said the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned the second wave of the A(H1N1) flu epidemic and the ministry was on full alert to response the spread of virus.
He said the outbreak in Bangkok and its adjacent provinces has gradually decreased while it has continuously spread in other provinces.
All health centres nationwide were instructed to provide good care to all patients. If there are suspect cases, physicians should presume the patient is infected with the virus and medication should be given without waiting for results of the lab test to confirm the case, in order to reduce the number of deaths.
The ministry has prepared teams of experts to visit the provinces and give consultation, he said, adding that the antiviral drug Oseltamivir was distributed to all hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Dr Paijit said that October-November will be a high-risk period as the virus could spread in the countryside due to the school holidays. Many boarding students will return to their hometowns, with some students passing time at internet shops and attending holiday classes at tutorial schools. Many students volunteer for rural development camps.
Perhaps the most dangerous venue for possible contagion, Dr Paijit said, is attending activities associated with the biggest crowds, especially Loy Krathong.
All these activities provide venues that could spread the virus, he said.
The ministry asked for cooperation from the governors and provincial health officials to strictly continue anti-flu measures and publicise the guidelines to prevent the flu to spread to the public, he said. (TNA)
