Cholera situation in Tak under control, Health Ministry says
No further cases of the diarrhoeal disease reported in Tak province but authorities continue to be on alert
The low-scale outbreak of cholera, an infectious bacterial disease, in Tak province on the border with Myanmar is under control with no new patients and no deaths so far, the Thai Public Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
Thailand has been on alert for a cholera outbreak in Myanmar after the disease killed two people and infected 300 others in the town of Shwe Kokko in late December. Cholera usually spreads through contaminated water and causes infection in the patients’ small intestine.
Since December 21, Tak recorded a total of four cholera patients (two Thais and two foreigners), and three others who are infected but asymptomatic (one Thai and two foreigners), with no fatalities.
All have been treated and made a full recovery, Dr Suphachok Wechaphanphaesat, regional public health inspector-general, said.
"Continuous monitoring and prevention of cholera must still be maintained, especially during the New Year festival when people gather to share meals,” he said. “This period poses a higher risk of disease transmission due to key risk factors related to hygiene, food safety, water and sanitation.”
Suphachok said the provincial and district health offices have been educating people on disease prevention, particularly the need to eat properly cooked food, using serving spoons, and washing their hands regularly. Food and beverage vendors were also told to follow these practices, he added.
The Tak communicable diseases committee has imposed the following measures to prevent the spread of cholera in the province:
1. Fresh markets and public restrooms must be disinfected every day, and all vendors in the markets must strictly follow the sanitary regulations, especially those who handle food.
2. Government agencies, schools, religious places and private operators are urged to disinfect restrooms daily.
3. Waterworks agency must maintain the level of free chlorine in tap water at no less than 1.0 milligram per litre (PPM) at the inlet pipe and no less than 0.5 PPM at the outlet pipe.
4. Those who have been infected or suspected of being infected must be tested and quarantined until the contagious phase is over.
5. Government agencies, district chiefs, village headmen, community leaders and public networks are urged to educate people about the preventive measures against cholera using all available channels.
