PUBLISHED: 9 Oct 2024 at 21:30
The Ministry of Public Health is stepping up monitoring of incoming travellers from Afghanistan to avoid the probable spread of an infectious disease, about which little is known thus far.
The move comes after local authorities reported at least 500 individuals infected with the unknown injury in the Kafshan Valley, located in the Shinwari city of Parwan state, about 80 kilometres northeast of the capital, Kabul.
The disease is spreading fast, and patients in critical condition have been transferred to provincial facilities and Kabul for further treatment, local authorities said. The signs include general weakness, serious leg pain, diarrhoea and high temperature.
Dr Panumas Yanwetsakul, director-general of the Department of Disease Control ( DDC ), said on Wednesday the ministry is aware of the outbreak and is taking precautionary measures to screen travellers.
The division has asked workers at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, U-tapao and Hat Yai flights to closely check any inbound travellers from Afghanistan.
“If they have high fevers or show any suspicious symptoms, they may get placed under quarantine for additional health assessment, ” he said.
Pilots and staff people of all flights from Afghanistan have been advised to check their own health problems and wearing masks during planes.