ID :
87864
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 17:52
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http://m.oananews.org//node/87864
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Thailand reports two new A(H1N1) flu deaths
BANGKOK, Nov 4 (TNA) – Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has confirmed two new fatalities from the Influenza A(H1N1) virus strain, raising the country’s cumulative total deaths to 184 since April.
The Bureau of Epidemiology of the Department of Disease Control on Wednesday reported two confirmed deaths from Influenza A(H1N1) in the country from October 18-31.
According to the latest report, the two were identified as being from a high-risk group. One had a congenital disease, while the other was a pregnant woman. Both went for medical treatment too late and failed to receive the anti-viral drug Oseltamivir, under trade name ‘tamiflu’, within three days after contracting the virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Paichit Varachit, deputy permanent secretary for public health, said that the country’s medical officials were preparing for the spread of the second round of Influenza A(H1N1) in the winter season. The ministry earlier instructed the committee concerned to improve the process of accessing the medication, aiming that patients could receive full medical treatment in time.
Officials of hospitals nationwide were also ordered to continue to monitor patients exhibiting flu-like-symptoms and to separate service areas for the high-risk groups. In addition, hospitals must prepare intensive care units, respirators, anti-viral and other related medications for the patients suffering and in critical condition, Dr Paichit said.
He added that the anti-viral capsules have given effective results and have less drug resistance. No mutation of the A(H1N1) virus has been found in Thailand so far. The ministry has stockpiled 12 million capsules of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir and an additional 50,000 sets of Zanamivir. (TNA)
The Bureau of Epidemiology of the Department of Disease Control on Wednesday reported two confirmed deaths from Influenza A(H1N1) in the country from October 18-31.
According to the latest report, the two were identified as being from a high-risk group. One had a congenital disease, while the other was a pregnant woman. Both went for medical treatment too late and failed to receive the anti-viral drug Oseltamivir, under trade name ‘tamiflu’, within three days after contracting the virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Paichit Varachit, deputy permanent secretary for public health, said that the country’s medical officials were preparing for the spread of the second round of Influenza A(H1N1) in the winter season. The ministry earlier instructed the committee concerned to improve the process of accessing the medication, aiming that patients could receive full medical treatment in time.
Officials of hospitals nationwide were also ordered to continue to monitor patients exhibiting flu-like-symptoms and to separate service areas for the high-risk groups. In addition, hospitals must prepare intensive care units, respirators, anti-viral and other related medications for the patients suffering and in critical condition, Dr Paichit said.
He added that the anti-viral capsules have given effective results and have less drug resistance. No mutation of the A(H1N1) virus has been found in Thailand so far. The ministry has stockpiled 12 million capsules of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir and an additional 50,000 sets of Zanamivir. (TNA)
