Flu cases in Thailand rise to 106; Difficult to contain disease

BANGKOK, June 13 (TNA) — The number of confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus victims in Thailand on Saturday rose by 17, bringing the total victims to 106, as experts admit that it is now difficult to control the virus from spreading in the country.
 
Dr. Paichit Varachit, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, told journalists that all 17 new virus victims were pupils at a kindergarten in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Pathum Thani. 
 
He said that public health officials will visit the kindergarten later in the day.
 
Dr. Phitaya Charupoonphol, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health at Mahidol University said that six students from the third year and fourth year developed flu-like symptoms and were sent to Siriraj Hospital to for tests.

The Mahidol dean said  two were confirmed as having contracted the Influenza A(H1N1) virus while the other four were put under close observation.

The six students had no connection with any group of students which had earlier contracted the virus, he said.

The virus now spreading in Thailand is at the ‘B’ level, meaning that it is spreading among groups of people and it may enter the ‘C’ level when people throughout the country contract the disease, Dr. Paichit said, indicating that the ministry is well prepared for controlling the disease.
 
Dr. Tawee Chotpitayasunondh, chairman of the strategic planning committee to combat the influenza, admitted that it is impossible to contain it from spreading because it could be transmitted through breathing, but that the symptoms are not serious.
 
“In future, Influenza A could “become a seasonal influenza,” he said, adding that the Public Health Ministry has coordinated with the government’s Ramathibodi and Siriraj hospitals to be on alert and those which are not in specially-at risk groups such as the aged, children and pregnant women may be asked to stay home to rest.
 
Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said medical experts would attend a meeting next Tuesday when a new direction will be set: Medication would be given to only patients needed because most victims could recover without treatment within three or four days.
 
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said every effort must be made to stop the disease from spreading.
 
Changing strategy is not easy as it is difficult to check the symptom from those who have just returned home from overseas, he indicated, so people must cooperate in giving information, said Mr. Abhisit. (TNA)