Int'l tourists warned to beware of Malaria at border forests

BANGKOK, December 8 (TNA) - Thailand's Department of Disease Control, under the Ministry of Public Health, has warned international tourists camping in border forests to beware of possibly contracting mosquito-borne Malaria. The department's director-general, Dr. Jetsada Chokedamrongsuk, voiced the warning on Thursday, as many international tourists like to experience the cool weather on mountains and natural tourist attractions during the winter. Dr. Jetsada cautioned that engaged in outdoor activities such as camping, trekking in forests, international tourists are exposed to a risk of being bitten by mosquitos, the vector of the deadly Malaria disease and others, particularly at borders. Meanwhile, the ministry's Bureau of the Communicable Disease reported that from January 1–November 25, 2016, Thailand had recorded more than 16,600 Malaria patients, about 5,000 of whom are foreigners. The number of overall Malaria patients in the country dropped 18.64 per cent from the same period last year, but most patients were found working in the forests or plantations at Thai border areas connecting with neighbouring countries. According to the official statistics, 10 Thai provinces recording about 90 per cent of the country’s Malaria patients include Yala, Tak, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Ubon Ratchathani, Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi, Si Sa Ket, Chaing Rai and Pattani. (TNA)