Ministry warns of disease risk in disaster zone
BANGKOK, Dec 30 (TNA) - The Ministry of Public Health yesterday issued
a disease warning for Thailand's six southern provinces hit by Sunday's
tsunamis, warning that poor sanitation could lead to an explosion of
diseases including diarrhoea and respiratory disease.
According to the ministry's warning, people in the affected areas,
inclduing Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi, Trang, Ranong and Satun, could be
at risk from a litany of diseases including diarrhoea, cholera,
dysentery, typhoid, food poisoning, hepatitis, colds, laryngitis,
bronchitis, athlete's foot, leptospirosis, conjunctivitis, malaria,
dengue fever, meningitis and elephantiasis, as well as bites from
snakes and scorpions.
The ministry urged people living in the affected areas to avoid wading
through mud and water in bare feet, eat only well cooked food, wash
hands prior to eating, drink only clean water, use toilets where
necessary, use mosquito nets while sleeping and seek immediate medical
advice should symptoms occur. (TNA)--E006
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