Epidemiology Bureau Warns Of Legionnaires’ Disease In Phuket

[Jai Dee]

Epidemiology Bureau warns of Legionnaires’ disease

The Epidemiology Bureau of the Disease Control Department warns of Legionnaires’ disease after six foreign tourists have contracted the disease in Phuket Province.

Mr. Khamnuan Ungchusak (คำนวณ อึ้งชูศักดิ์), the director of the epidemiology bureau, revealed that the Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. The bacterium grows best in raw water or water which is not treated by chlorine. People can contract the bacterium through nose when they are using untreated water.

Legionnaires’ disease patients experience symptoms similar to pneumonia or flu but more severe. Only a few Legionnaires’ disease patients had ever been found in Thailand before the bureau has been reported of the six foreign tourists.

The six foreign tourists had reportedly visited Phuket in December last year. Sources said that the hotels where they had stayed were short of water during that period of time, as a result, the hotels had provided raw water to their customers.

Mr Khamnuan said to prevent the disease, people should use only treated water, often clean water taps and showers, and clean air-conditioners at least twice a year.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 January 2007

[simon43]

......hotels had provided raw water to their customers

[\quote]

Jeez, if it can be proven that these tourists contracted Legionnaires as a result of this raw water, then the hotel should be sued big-time!

I often see water trucks suppying water to hotels in Phuket. Often, it is the same hotels that have these supplies on a daily basis - ie, they are unable to provide their own supply to their guests. Seems to me that developments should be be allowed if they are unable to provide their own water supply....

Simon

[Jai Dee]

See also this thread in the News Forum.