12 October 2023 at 04: 00 PUBLISHED
The public is being urged to get tested for tuberculosis by the Department of Disease Control ( DDC ), especially if they have underlying medical conditions that could make the illness worse.
The call came in response to media reports about player Chawin” Jug” Chitsomboon, who recently developed tuberculosis, most likely after coming into contact with a friend who passed away on September 5.
Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, the director-general of DDC, advised the populace to exercise caution. Thailand is one of the best 30 nations with the highest rates of tuberculosis cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
According to WHO statistics, the country records an average of 103, 000 new cases annually, and approximately 12, 000 people pass away from TB-related illnesses each month.
Even though around 25 % of Thailand’s population has developed some disease resistance, people with compromised immune systems are still more likely to experience severe symptoms.
As a result, Dr. Tares advised people who have chronic medical conditions like diabetes, HIV / Aids, as well as those with high risk factors like inmates and / or others who live in cramped housing, drug addicts and alcohol users, migrant workers, and frontline medical staff to think about getting routine tuberculosis screenings.
According to Dr. Niti Haetanurak, DDC assistant director-general, the agency has gotten in touch with Chawin’s boss to give his friends, family, and other people who had frequent touch with the professional treatment.
A breathing condition called disease can be spread by talking, coughing, and sneezing while in the air. Gentle fever, appetite loss, and weight loss are some typical signs, along with a persistent cough that lasts for more than two months.
According to Dr. Phalin Kamolwat, chairman of the agency’s disease division,” It is a treatable illness, but patients may take medications for six months.”
According to Dr. Phalin, finding the condition in its early rounds is crucial. To prevent distribution, people who have TB in their families are even advised to get immediate medical help. Call the DDC 1442 line and the agency’s tuberculosis division at 02 211 2224 for more details.