Twenty one cases of the influenza A(H1N1) virus have been discovered in Pattaya, today, 11 June, 2009, after medical investigations were instituted among local residents following reports that two Taiwanese students raised that they had contracted the influenza A(H1N1) virus, either in Bangkok or Pattaya.
Mr. Wittaya Kaewparadai, and his team visited Banglamung Hospital on 10 June, 2009, for discussions with Mr. Weerawat Kahkai, the Pattaya Deputy Mayor Mr. Prasit Jittiwattanapong, the Banglamung Hospital Director and medical staff, following concerns raised by the Taiwanese.
"All 21 cases which were found positive with the flu were staff of a pub in Pattaya," Minister of Public Health, Mr. Wittaya Kaewparadai said.
The Medical Sciences Department is currently testing about 1,000 samples collected from Pattaya residents, particularly the staff of pubs ,discos or hotels and have so far discovered twenty one infected individuals, all staff of a local disco. A Chonburi public health team has also sent over 100 officials to investigate and check closely in community areas, to distribute preventative equipment and also reassure the populace that the virus is not too virulent, and most people who have been infected recover quickly. All the officials concerned are still having discussions at the hospital, reports are being correlated, and a 30-minute information session was given by Ministry of Public Health officials. The Pattaya City Mayor is expected to make a statement later this afternoon.
As a sensible precaution, staff of local hospitals, as well as patients, both inpatients and concerned new-comers, have started to wear masks which were distributed by medical officials.
Meanwhile in Bangkok, five more cases have been announced. The first is the mother of the 11-year old schoolboy, mentioned below, who herself displayed no symptoms but tested positive. The 2nd case was an individual who had recently collected his son who had been on holiday abroad from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The 3rd case, a man, had just returned from Singapore. The 4th, a female, had been a recent visitor to the USA. The 5th was a British citizen en route to Cambodia, detected in transit at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Of particular concern is the second and possible 3rd instance of human-to-human infection in-country: that of an 11-year-old Bangkok private schoolboy, and now his mother, living in the Dusit district, who unlike the majority of cases so far detected, has not been abroad. Three classes at the boy’s school have so far been suspended, after 13 fellow students of the 11-year-old also displayed flu-like symptoms. All 13 have been placed in quarantine and are under medical surveillance after having had fluid samples taken, the lab-test results of which will be released on Thursday afternoon.
Following the suspected infections, students attended school wearing masks, today, and some were apparently kept at home by their parents. Department of Health officials have been distributing pamphlets, sanitary masks and hand wash gel to teachers and students at the school. Secretary-General Bundit Sriputtangul of the Private Education Commission visited the school this morning and he is reported as saying that if the new suspected cases prove positive, the school is authorized to close immediately.
The Ministry of Public Health will meet with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Bangkok schools to take further action and to take further preventive measures against the H1N1 virus after the lab results are disclosed later today.
Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai has expressed his concern that many incoming tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport appeared to be attempting to avoid being examined by the thermal scanners. Apparently, a number had been taking antipyretic drugs, whereas others had been washing their faces with cold water to try and reduce their body temperatures.
