Rising Cases of Bacterial Infections Linked to Flooding in Thailand

[snoop1130]

 

The Disease Control Department in Thailand is warning citizens about a sharp increase in bacterial infections, specifically Leptospirosis and Melioidosis, during the rainy and flood seasons. These infections pose a particular threat to children and require careful monitoring.

 

These diseases have led to approximately 6,000 reported cases and 119 deaths in the first three quarters of this year, according to Dr. Weerawat Manosuthi.

 

Leptospirosis can spread via animals like rats, pigs, cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and dogs. The bacteria can infect humans through cuts, abrasions, or skin that has been soaked in dirty water for an extended period.

 

This year, Thailand has reported at least 2,926 cases of Leptospirosis. Interestingly, over 66% of the infected individuals are farmers who have direct contact with water and mud. Death from the disease typically results from delayed medical attention, or attempts at self-medication.

 

People between the ages of 55-64 are the most diagnosed demographic, but children are also at risk from playing in flood waters. Parents are urged to keep a close watch on their children during the rainy season.

 

Dr. Akkaratan Chitnuyanan, the Director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, indicates that symptoms can include high fever, headaches, muscle or joint pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and eye irritation.

Another alarming disease is Melioidosis. The bacteria responsible for it resides in soil and water and can infect humans through prolonged direct contact, consumption of contaminated food or water, or inhalation of soil dust. Around 76.7% of patients who contract Melioidosis are also farmers.

 

From January to late September, there were 2,881 reported cases of Melioidosis, including 90 resulting in death.

 

The Disease Control Department suggests these preventive measures:

 

1. Try to stay out of water for long periods and don't wade in water and mud barefoot. Washing your body immediately after getting out of water can minimize exposure to the disease.
2. Ensure your drinking water is clean and your food is fully cooked and fresh.
3. Maintain cleanliness in your living area and dispose of food waste properly to prevent disease spread.

 

If you experience prolonged symptoms like high fever, headache, or muscle pain, seek medical attention immediately to avoid any severe health complications.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-10

 

[0ffshore360]

An expectation in a society that has limited education about basic hygiene and lets it's children play in static flood waters full of sewerage etc while the parents wade to and fro in blissful online ignorance as  illustrated .

 

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, 0ffshore360 said:

An expectation in a society that has limited education about basic hygiene and lets it's children play in static flood waters full of sewerage etc while the parents wade to and fro in blissful online ignorance as  illustrated.

 

 

 

But it is a great photo though.

Putting the shoe on the other foot - how else can they get around to buy food?

I suspect necessity rather then ignorance.

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Disease Control Department in Thailand is warning citizens about a sharp increase in bacterial infections, specifically Leptospirosis and Melioidosis, during the rainy and flood seasons. These infections pose a particular threat to children and require careful monitoring.

All that filthy water contains god knows what.

[john donson]

if it floods over there every year, maybe each house should build, buy or get a rubber boat?