TB outbreak looming on Thailand-Myanmar border

[snoop1130]

 

Mae Sot Hospital, on the edge of the Thailand-Myanmar border in Tak province, issued a stark warning about a looming tuberculosis (TB) outbreak.

 

Mae Sot Hospital Director Dr Rames Wongwilairat urged health and immigration officials in Mae Sot to stay vigilant. He emphasised the need for personnel in close contact with Myanmar migrants to wear face masks as a preventive measure.

 

Dr Rames highlighted alarming findings from recent X-ray tests conducted in Shwe Kokko, a town in Myawaddy Township. Out of 100 patient samples, a shocking 50 tested positive for TB, a highly infectious respiratory disease.

 

While urging caution, Dr Rames reassured the public not to panic.

 

“Myanmar reports TB infections annually, particularly among Chinese communities.”

 

 

He added that this year’s TB patient numbers could slightly surpass last year’s figures.

 

“We are delving into the specifics of the 100 samples, examining their residential areas and risk factors, to get a clearer picture of the situation in Myanmar. However, it is premature to confirm an outbreak.”

 

Dr Rames advised that the public should stay calm but vigilant, adhering to preventive measures against TB, reported The Nation.

 

“Monitor your symptoms closely. Seek medical testing if you experience chronic coughing for more than two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, prolonged fever, or if you have been in direct contact with TB patients.”

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-07-26

 

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[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Dr Rames highlighted alarming findings from recent X-ray tests conducted in Shwe Kokko, a town in Myawaddy Township. Out of 100 patient samples, a shocking 50 tested positive for TB, a highly infectious respiratory disease

Yikes.