Situations reported in nations that border Thailand after major outbreaks in the United States.
PUBLISHED: 24 Dec 2024 at 17: 53
After more circumstances were discovered in neighboring nations following a new outbreak in the United States, public health officials are preparing to prevent the potential spread of bird flu in Thailand.
According to DDC director-general Dr. Panumas Yanwetsakul, the Livestock Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation have been working together to prevent any potential outbreaks.
Since 2006, there haven’t been any instances of bird flu in Thailand, but Dr. Panumas argued that the world scenario is concerning.
According to a recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 people in nine US claims were discovered to have contracted the H5N1 virus this year.
Of those, 39 had touched sick animals, 23 were attributed to exposure to sick animals and the other two were infected from mysterious options.
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) said 939 bird flu cases have been reported worldwide since 2003, with 464 fatalities in 24 countries.
In addition to the United States, bird flu has been reported this year in some of Thailand’s adjacent countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
Dr. Panumas argued that Thailand was at risk because of its central location in Southeast Asia, international traveling, and poultry farming as primary risk factors.
According to him,” The DDC has been working with several factions within the One Health system to stop any outbreaks from occurring in the nation.”
Dr Direk Khampaen, the DDC assistant director-general, said greater security measures were in area for facilities to protect against bird flu in humans. Hospital testing checkpoints and increased screening measures have been mandated by the department.
People who experience symptoms like coughing, muscle strain, or breathing problems, particularly if they have come into contact with animals or cows, are urged to call a doctor as soon as possible so they can arrange for a screening exam.
Additionally, the office instructed producers to immediately contact police if they discover any unusual deaths in their livestock, especially those of birds and cows.
Additionally, protective measures have been given precedence for those who may be more susceptible to the disease, such as veterinarians, animal managers, and parks and wildlife managers.
They are advised to get an annual flu shot because it lowers the likelihood of getting animal virus.
Dr. Direk claimed that the DDC is promoting improved immunization safety in the country by supporting local production of flu shots to lessen the need for imported vaccines and improve the country’s readiness to deal with emergencies.