Flu cases highest recorded in Thai Northeast

UBON RATCHATHANI, THAILAND, February 8 (TNA) - Health officials remain on high alert against influenza outbreaks, after almost 300 flu patients have been reported in five northeastern Thai provinces. Dr. Sarayut Utthamangkhapong, director of Ubon Ratchathani's disease control office, told journalists on Wednesday that the five provinces in the Thai Northeast, where there have been a total of 290 flu cases since last month, include Si Sa Ket, Yasothon, Mukdaharn, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani. Dr. Sarayut said the highest number of 201 flu patients have been reported in Ubon Ratchathani, followed by 22 cases in Si Sa Ket, cautioning that the number of seasonal flu cases is likely to further rise until April as previous years. According to the provincial health authority, most flu patients normally recover fully within a week, but those with complications may have severe conditions, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, hepatitis and difficulties in breathing, which may result in deaths.(TNA)