Thailand confirms 44 A(H1N1) deaths

BANGKOK, July 22 (TNA) – Thailand’s Public Health Ministry on Wednesday confirmed the total deaths from the country’s Influenza A(H1N1) at 44, almost doubled the 24 deaths reported last week.
 
The ministry announced the total A(H1N1) cases at 6,776 in its weekly report. 

Of this number, 6,697 cases have fully recovered while 35 patients remain in hospital, according to the report.
 
Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai urged provincial governors to step up preventive measures against the Influenza A(H1N1) flu during a teleconference.
 
The video conference meeting focused on urgent measures to contain the spread of the virus, screening measures, preventive strategies and treatments for patients.

Mr Witthaya, as a chair of the meeting at the Interior Ministry, also called for the governors who serve as the directors of provincial prevention centers to cooperate with local health agencies to curb the disease.

In addition, Mr Witthaya ordered health authorities to bolster the anti-flu campaign and to educate locals about the Influenza A(H1N1), so they won’t panic.

He also emphasised that reports of the patient tally and fatalities had to be based on the fact for accurate assessment of the ongoing situation.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, who also attended the meeting, expected that the spread of pandemic would slow down in August. (TNA)