Malaria fight to tackle parasites

[Chao Lao Beach]

Just read an article with the same title as this thread in the Bangkok news paper one shall dare not mention, My question is, where is Malaria a problem in Thailand?

I thought that Dengue was the main issue ?

Google the follow if you want more info: "Malaria fight to tackle parasites" Bangkok Thailand

[Furbie]

Thailand still has a malaria problem, primarily with the Artemisinin-resistant P-falciparum malaria parasite, which is spreading in the region. What this means, in short, is that we may lose the front line drug for combatting malaria.

While Thailand has done an excellent job in combatting malaria in the main population, especially with assistance from USAID, Global Fund and other donors, they have not been as successful in working with the migrant populations from Myanmar and Cambodia that enter Thailand carrying the malaria parasite and working in the construction and rubber industries. These migrants, especially the undocumented ones, fear government authorities and do not get tested for malaria, or receive close monitoring to ensure they finish their course of medication when they do get tested. As such, malaria has a high potential for spreading to the Thai and tourist populations if current containment efforts are relaxed. Border areas and refugee camps are at particular risk. For more details, you’ll need to look at the public health projects – this is not my area of expertise.

[Sheryl]

I would disagree with some of the above - the arrival of someone with malaria into an area poses no risk unless the mosquito vector (certain sub-species of the anopheles mosquito) are present, which is not the case outside of heavily forested areas.

Comparatively few parts of Thailand -- all of them heavily forested and mostly near the Cambodian and Burmese borders - are endemic for malaria.

Drug resistance is an issue, though, for sure.

M