BANGKOK, 15 September 2012 – The Public Health Ministry has instructed all health offices in flood-hit areas to stay on high alert due to worries over health problems.
Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said that all public health offices in 13 flood-hit provinces have already been instructed to stay vigilant against possible flood-induced diseases and to continue the mobile clinic service to help those hit by the inundation until the situation resolves.
The Health Minister added that around 4,939 patients have been registered with the mobile healthcare service during September 9th and 13th. Most of the patients suffered athletes’ foot, flu, muscle ache, stress, insomnia and headache.
He said that health officials in areas where flood has receded, including Uttaradit, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet and Uthai Thani, have been instructed to help locals with post-flood hygiene issues to prevent any possible spread of dengue, diarrhea and leptospirosis.
For other at-risk provinces, particularly in the lower Chao Phraya Basin, the Health Ministry is asking residents to stay alert and follow news closely in order to best escape the flood disaster when it occurs.
