Immigrants blamed for malaria outbreak

PRACHUAB KHIRI KHAN: -- Malaria has broken out in a border village in Prachuab Khiri Khan Province, a problem which local residents blame on immigrants from Myanmar.

Mr. Sommai Sinchan, a community leader in Baan Sirilom, told reporters today that immigrants working in palm oil and rubber plantations had introduced malaria to the 400-strong village, 20 of whose residents are currently receiving hospital treatment for the disease.

His words were echoed by Mr. Phumchai Inthawat, head of the district’s insect-borne disease control division, who also blamed the movements of immigrant labourers for the spread of the illness.

He also noted that the creation of artificial rain had exacerbated the problem, as rain had fallen in areas of stagnant water where the malaria-carrying mosquitoes bred.

Since the end of April, 47 local residents have fallen victim to malaria, and local health officials are desperately trying to spray insecticide to stem the problem.

--TNA 2005-05-08

Now it could not be due to standing water left unattended by Thai's?

It is surprising how often the water for a flower, or plant in the office, has

mosquito larvae swimming around.

Or the limited action taken by the local authorities to spray to kill mozzies?

Fogging is a regular site in Malaysia and Singapore, and it does keep down

the little bu**ers.

Malaria is not contagious from person to person. It is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito that has previously bitten someone with malaria.

And they only bite non-Thais who carry the disease?

Always someone else's fault huh?