ASEAN public health ministerial meeting expected soon

BANGKOK, September 13 (TNA) - Public Health Ministers of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to hold a meeting soon to discuss joint measures to deal with Zika virus in the region. Thai Public Health Minister Dr. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn is reportedly preparing to attend the ASEAN Public Health Ministerial Meeting shortly. Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Suwanchai Watthanayingcharoen insisted on Tuesday, after meeting with provincial health officials via a video conference, that the Zika virus situation in Thailand has been under control. Dr. Suwanchai told reporters that Zika virus is less severe than dengue fever in Thailand, where 31 out of all 38,000 dengue fever patients have died and about 2,000 dengue fever cases have been reported each week. Regarding 33 pregnant women who have contracted the Zika virus and put under close surveillance of local doctors, Dr. Suwanchai said eight of them have already given birth without any complication or birth defect to their newborns. According to the senior official, his ministry will review its report on the updated Zika virus situation based on districts, instead of provinces, to demonstrate the real situation and does not make the whole provinces become red zones, which could cause panic or confusion among people. The senior Thai health official confirmed that Zika virus is curable and patients can recover within seven days if there is no complication. "The Zika virus situation in Thailand is considered stable and there is no need to be worried", stressed the senior health official. (TNA)