Concern raised over harmful bacteria from cave bats

By Nisanart Kangwalwong 
The Nation

 

Courtesy of Thai Navy Seal

 

Thorough medical check-ups await the 12 young footballers and their coach as soon as they’re rescued from the Chiang Rai cave after local health authorities expressed concern about the possible risk of contracting a virus from bats.
 

Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital is prepared to evaluate the rescued group and 13 medical teams, one for each of the missing, are poised to accompany them there from the cave entrance.

 

The hospital has readied a separate zone to examine the 13 football team members and provide treatment as necessary, Chiang Rai Public Health Office chief Dr Tossathep Boonthong said on Monday.

 

Tossathep noted that scientific surveys had found potentially harmful bacteria in the droppings of cave-dwelling bats, and Tham Luang Cave where the rescue mission is underway had never been surveyed.

 

He said the Disease Control Department planned to collect and analyse samples of the bats’ droppings from Tham Luang once the missing party was rescued.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30349103

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-07-02

15 minutes ago, webfact said:

Concern raised over harmful bacteria from cave bats

I don't remember Alfred having any reaction to bacteria in the bat cave.

(sorry!)

 

Just get them out!

a name of the bacteria? virus name? must be bad if their is no mention...

10 minutes ago, bsdthai said:

a name of the bacteria? virus name? must be bad if their is no mention...

IMO this article is to boost reader numbers, nothing more. If it is true that concerns over virus infection through bats is only being considered now, day 9 into the rescue attempt, then something is truly wrong with the organization.

 

More concerning to me, obviously depending on the size of 'Pattaya Beach', would be directed towards sanitation and the threat of infection from that side.

20 minutes ago, bsdthai said:

a name of the bacteria? virus name? must be bad if their is no mention...

Clickitis?

With all the serious issues that the trapped people face, and also the teams of guys working hard to save them are encountering, I really dont think they will be too worried over a little Bat S#@t.

23 minutes ago, Cake Monster said:

With all the serious issues that the trapped people face, and also the teams of guys working hard to save them are encountering, I really dont think they will be too worried over a little Bat S#@t.

Maybe worrying too much about not having a work permit.

Quote

He said the Disease Control Department planned to collect and analyse samples of the bats’ droppings from Tham Luang once the missing party was rescued.

Probably better to collect and analyse now so you have the results by the time they are rescued and may need treating!

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Disease Control Department planned to collect and analyse samples of the bats’ droppings from Tham Luang once the missing party was rescued.

So, it´s only harmful to the people they try to rescue, and will not be of any concern otherwise.