Flu Alert: Over 1,000 Cases Hit Chaiyaphum, Schools Close

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Health officials in Chaiyaphum are raising concerns as influenza type A cases have soared past 1,000, with more than 500 infections reported at the provincial male prison in Mueang district alone. Dr. Suppapong Chaimongkol from the Chaiyaphum Public Health Office highlighted that the virus is spreading rapidly among children and inmates, prompting several schools to close and switch to online classes to prevent further transmission.

 

While no fatalities have been reported, the situation remains critical due to the virus's ability to spread easily via coughs or sneezes within a 2-meter range. Dr. Suppapong urged residents to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and avoid crowded areas. He emphasized the importance of annual flu vaccinations, especially for vulnerable groups like young children, pregnant women, seniors over 65, obese people, and those with chronic conditions.

 

Symptoms of influenza A include fever, chills, body aches, coughing, sore throat, and extreme fatigue. Infected individuals are advised to stay home for three to seven days and seek medical help if symptoms worsen, such as having trouble breathing or losing appetite.

 

 

The broader picture across Thailand is concerning, with nearly 100,000 infections and three deaths reported in just 15 days. The Ministry of Public Health is rolling out 4.5 million vaccine doses to manage the outbreak, which is notably affecting schools. Since the start of the year, there's been a rapid increase from 7,819 to 99,057 confirmed cases, with nine deaths in total.

 

Chaiyaphum, along with Health Zone 9 regions like Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, and Buriram, are among the hardest-hit areas. Notably, children aged five to nine are experiencing the highest infection rates. Authorities continue to stress vaccinations and preventive actions to control the spread, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the virus is spreading rapidly among children and inmates, prompting several schools to close and switch to online classes to prevent further transmission.

Are students now termed inmates too?

[thesetat]

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Chaiyaphum, along with Health Zone 9 regions like Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, and Buriram, are among the hardest-hit areas. Notably, children aged five to nine are experiencing the highest infection rates. Authorities continue to stress vaccinations and preventive actions to control the spread, reported The Thaiger.

Vaccines cost money that some Thai parents are unwilling or unable to pay for. if the Gov really cared they would issue vaccines in the schools for free. My kid is getting the HPV vaccine free in the school this week. The flu should be the same. 

[Merrill]

17 hours ago, thesetat said:

Vaccines cost money that some Thai parents are unwilling or unable to pay for. if the Gov really cared they would issue vaccines in the schools for free. My kid is getting the HPV vaccine free in the school this week. The flu should be the same. 

No protection from these viruses no time to develop a vax the ones about are only 2% effective