3 new A(H1N1) flu deaths; Toll rises to 24

BANGKOK, July 14 (TNA) - Thailand's Ministry of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed three new deaths from influenza A(H1N1), raising the country's flu-related fatalities to 24.

The ministry also reported new 176 A(H1N1) cases, bringing the cumulative total to 4,057 patients.

Regarding the rising number of new patients and the proposal to close schools for one month to contain the A(H1N1) pandemic, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbhodi said that the ministry must discuss the issue with the Ministry of Education, as mid-term examinations will be held soon and the closure could affect the teaching schedule.

Mr. Manit, however, said that the A(H1N1) screening measures introduced in schools nationwide on Monday to detect at-risk students will work effectively to control the outbreak in schools. The ministry's report revealed that the measures could reduce the number of newly-infected cases in schools.

The measures include screening by teachers and health officials for students with high fevers and other flu-like symptoms when students assemble for morning exercises before class. If found likely to have contracted the A(H1N1) flu, the student will be immediately sent home for a seven-day self-quarantine period. (TNA)