Over 40,000 Infected With Malaria In 2008

Over 40,000 infected with malaria this year

BANGKOK: -- Over 40,000 people, including local residents and migrant workers across the country, have sought medical treatment for malaria infection in recent months, health records reveal.

The Department of Disease Control's (DDC) chief, Dr Somchai Chakkrabhand said this year the number of Thai people infected with malaria in the first nine months was 20,506 - while the number of migrant workers was 20,803. Tak province is the most hit area with 4,471 cases; while Yala recorded 3,971; and Narathiwat 1,284 cases.

Somchai said the number of migrant workers with malaria in three provinces is increasing - in Chantaburi, Tak and Kanchanaburi - and he expects the overall number of malaria cases to be even higher next year.

-- The Nation 2008-11-03