PPHO warns of diseases during rainy season

The Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) issues a warning for people to be wary of five types of ailments that are more prevalent during the rainy season. They include diarrhea, infections in open wounds, colds and pneumonia, mosquito-borne diseases and conjunctivitis, or also known as pink eye.

PPHO officer Arunee Suphanam says diarrhea is the most common affliction in Phuket province while the second most common problem is infections in wounds, such as leptospirosis, a bacterial disease which causes high temperatures, headaches and muscle pain. She also warns against diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue fever, Japanese Encephalitis (JE virus) and malaria.

Ms. Arunee says 81 people in Phuket caught dengue fever from January to May this year. One person died from it. Dengue is most prevalent in June and July because of the heavy rains. To protect against dengue people should cover water storage containers and change water standing in containers every seven days.

Conjunctivitis is another ailment, which can develop after the eyes come in contact with the virus, which is found in dirty water.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 June 2007

It is also recommended by the WHO that foreign visitors, including long stay residents ensure that their vaccinations are current. If you have a depressed or comprimised immune system, your health care provider will be able to recommend appropriate prophylaxis.