Flood-related Illnesses Rise To Over Half Million

Flood-related illnesses rise to over half million

BANGKOK: -- Patients suffering from flood-related diseases in the aftermath of one of Thailand's worst floodings has in the past two months led over 560,000 persons to seek medical care.

Public health authorities have sprayed disinfectant in attempts to rid large areas of mosquitoes and flies in the flood-hit provinces, although by definition, it is a task which can not be won, but rather reduces the population of possible disease-carrying insects.

Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot, Permanent Secretary for Public Health said that the flood situation is still critical in four provinces--Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, and Ayutthaya. Medical teams from nearby provinces were dispatched to visit residents in areas affected by flooding.

The number of patients treated in the past two months totaled 565,956, of which 60 per cent had athlete's foot and rash. However, no highly contagious diseases have been detected, he said.

The provinces have distributed drinking water to flood victims to prevent digestive system disorders.

In Ang Thong, there have been 53,865 patients since last month. Of these, 40 per cent had athlete's foot and rash.

More than 40 Department of Disease Control teams have been at work spraying disinfectant in resident and market areas, as mosquitoes and flies can carry dengue fever and diarrhea-inducing diseases respectively.

Mosquito repellant has also been distributed to flood victims.

--TNA 2006-10-27