Chaiyaphum prison hit hard as influenza cases soar past 1,000
Health officials in Chaiyaphum are sounding the alarm after influenza type A cases surged past 1,000, with more than 500 infections reported at the provincial male prison in Mueang district alone.
Dr Suppapong Chaimongkol, head of preventive medicine at the Chaiyaphum Public Health Office, warned that children and inmates are the most affected, leading several schools to suspend classes and shift to online learning to curb the spread.
Despite the sharp rise in cases, no deaths have been reported so far. However, officials remain on high alert due to the virus’s highly contagious nature, spreading through coughs and sneezes from up to 2 metres away.
“We urge residents to wear facemasks, wash their hands frequently, and avoid crowded places,” Suppapong advised, stressing the importance of annual flu vaccinations, particularly for young children, pregnant women, seniors over 65, obese individuals, and those with chronic illnesses.
Influenza A symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, coughing, sore throat, and extreme fatigue. Officials advise staying home for three to seven days if infected, but seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing or loss of appetite.
With flu cases rapidly rising, Chaiyaphum residents are urged to act swiftly to protect themselves and prevent further spread, reported The Nation.
Influenza cases in Thailand have surged dramatically, with nearly 100,000 infections and three deaths reported in just 15 days. The Ministry of Public Health is responding by deploying 4.5 million vaccine doses to contain the outbreak, which is spreading rapidly, particularly in schools.
Since January 1, Thailand has recorded 99,057 confirmed cases and nine fatalities, a sharp rise from just 7,819 cases on January 25—an increase of over 91,000 infections in two weeks.
The current outbreak is more severe than the five-year average and exceeds last year’s figures. Clusters of infections have been reported in 15 locations, mostly in schools.
Health Zone 9, covering Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Buriram, and Chaiyaphum, is the worst affected, with 6,938 cases and three deaths. The highest infection rates are among children aged five to nine, followed by four- and three year olds.
Authorities urge vaccinations and preventive measures to curb further spread.
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