TB outbreak looming on Thailand-Myanmar border

Mae Sot Hospital, on the edge of the Thailand-Myanmar border in Tak province, issued a stark warning about a looming tuberculosis (TB) outbreak.

Mae Sot Hospital Director Dr Rames Wongwilairat urged health and immigration officials in Mae Sot to stay vigilant. He emphasised the need for personnel in close contact with Myanmar migrants to wear face masks as a preventive measure.

Dr Rames highlighted alarming findings from recent X-ray tests conducted in Shwe Kokko, a town in Myawaddy Township. Out of 100 patient samples, a shocking 50 tested positive for TB, a highly infectious respiratory disease.

While urging caution, Dr Rames reassured the public not to panic.

“Myanmar reports TB infections annually, particularly among Chinese communities.”

He added that this year’s TB patient numbers could slightly surpass last year’s figures.

“We are delving into the specifics of the 100 samples, examining their residential areas and risk factors, to get a clearer picture of the situation in Myanmar. However, it is premature to confirm an outbreak.”

Dr Rames advised that the public should stay calm but vigilant, adhering to preventive measures against TB, reported The Nation.

“Monitor your symptoms closely. Seek medical testing if you experience chronic coughing for more than two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, prolonged fever, or if you have been in direct contact with TB patients.”

In related news, 16 illegal migrants from Myanmar and four Thai smugglers were apprehended on July 10 after the migrants were found crammed into a pickup truck at a drug checkpoint in Phayuha Khiri district, Nakhon Sawan.

Drug suppression police, stationed at the checkpoint, flagged down a black pickup with Bangkok licence plates around 1am. Acting on information that two suspected vehicles were travelling from Mae Sot district in Tak province along Phahonyothin Road, the officers decided to search.

In other news, Thailand is on high alert as anthrax fears surge following a deadly outbreak in neighbouring Laos.