Sick privates quarantined for fear of 2009 flu outbreak

UTTARADIT, November 22 (TNA) - Some two dozens of Thai privates have been quarantined at a hospital of the Pichai Darbhak military camp in Thailand's lower northern Uttaradit province, after they were initially diagnosed with lung infection and medical personnel suspected them of contracting the 2009 influenza. The 25 privates began their service at the 20th Artillery Battalion in the Phra Si Phanommas military camp in the Thung Yang locality of Uttaradit's Laplae district early this month and later fell sick simultaneously with similar symptoms of high temperatures, headache and runny noses, cough and sneeze. Major General Pichet Sukpongpisit, Commander of the Uttaradit military district, told reporters on Wednesday, after meeting with authorities concerned, that all the ill privates have been admitted and quarantined at the hospital of the Pichai Darbhak military camp since November 18. According to the commander, seven of the ill privates have lung infection and pus in their lungs; while 18 others have high temperatures, runny noses and body pain and cough. Visitors are prohibited from seeing the patients at the moment; while concerned officials are waiting for the results of their blood tests from the Regional Medical Science Center in nearby Phitsanulok Province and the Royal Thai Army Medical Department. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha expressed his concerns over the ill conscripts and ordered experienced doctors from Bangkok-based Phramongkutklao Hospital and the Royal Thai Army to diagnose their illness, together with physicians of the hospital of the Pichai Darbhak military camp and to contain diseases there. (TNA)