Cholera claims three lives, infects 450 near Thai-Myanmar border
Cholera has claimed three lives and left around 450 people infected in the Myanmar region bordering Mae Sot district in Tak province. Officals have issued warnings for increased vigilance regarding hygiene and food preparation to prevent further outbreaks.
Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease, has caused significant health concerns in the area, with the first reports coming from the Myanmar side. Three individuals have tragically died after being admitted to community hospitals in Myawaddy and Ban Kokko.
The total number of infections has reached approximately 450 in the villages of Suai Kokko and the Chinese-influenced area of Myawaddy, directly across from Tha Sai Luad subdistrict in Mae Sot and Ban Wang Pha in Mae Ramat district, Tak province.
The Tak Provincial Federation of Industries has been informed by Mae Sot Hospital about three cholera cases discovered within three communities in the Mae Sot Municipality. The cases involve one patient from the Thung Thong community, one from the Ruam Rang community, and another from the Manee Phai community, all located within the municipal area.
The federation has urgently communicated with its members, advising those with factories in the Mae Sot border area and the municipal region to prepare for the current cholera outbreak.
Members have been instructed to heighten their vigilance concerning cleanliness and ensure all food is thoroughly cooked, as this is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. Cholera is known for causing severe diarrhoea, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
The outbreak has prompted local health officials and organisations to take swift action to contain the disease. Efforts are underway to educate the public on the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards and the need for proper sanitation practices. Health officials are also working to provide medical assistance to those affected and to monitor the situation closely to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Cholera is typically transmitted through contaminated water or food, making it especially important for communities in the affected areas to ensure their drinking water is clean and their food is cooked properly. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Local health officials have emphasised the importance of boiling water before consumption and ensuring that all fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly, reported KhaoSod.
