Thailand on high alert against mosquitoes-borne diseases

BANGKOK, February 9 (TNA) - Public health offices nationwide have been ordered to watch out fatal mosquitoes-borne diseases and eradicate their sources. Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Sophon Mekthon made the instruction at a meeting with nationwide public health officials via the teleconference system from Bangkok on February 9, suggesting that the high alert be focused on three diseases carried by common house or striped mosquitoes, including dengue fever, chikungunya and zika virus. Dr. Sophon ordered public health offices nationwide to also launch a campaign simultaneously from February 14 to April 13, 2016 to create public awareness on the eradication of common house mosquitoes breeding sources at their houses and communities. Dr. Sophon explained that the period is considered a good time for the campaign because the weather remains cold and dry now and it is unsuitable for the breeding of common house mosquitoes. Besides, Dr. Sophon suggested public health offices nationwide to inform people in their respective areas that there has been no outbreak of any zika virus in Thailand so far. Meanwhile, Dr.Tawee Chotpitayasunondh, an advisor of the ministry's Department of Medical Services, told reporters that there have been reports on eight patients of zika virus in Thailand so far but all have been fully recovered. Dr. Tawee noted that zika virus is less life threatening than dengue fever, as the latter is more fatal, urging the public not to be panic against the zika disease. According to the advisor, the Ministry of Public Health will soon, however, issue guidelines for five risk groups of mosquitoes-borne diseases, namely zika virus, for the sake of their safety, including pregnant women, patients of mosquitoes-borne diseases, tourists from areas being at risk of the diseases, children with small heads and patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). (TNA)