Cholera “under control’ in Phuket

PHUKET: With 110 cases of cholera reported in Phuket so far this year, the possibility of an outbreak of the disease has raised fears of the threat posed to tourism. Authorities say that the situation is “under control” and that the high season will not be affected.

Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit and Dr Wanchai Sattayawuthipong of the Phuket Provincial Health Office held a conference call yesterday with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Dr Prachit Prarachit, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, to discuss the cholera situation in Phuket.

Dr Prachit said that between January 1 and October 31, there were 600 cases of cholera spread across 36 provinces. All provinces have been put on alert to help control the severe diarrheal disease, which is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water.

Dr Prachit said, “Khon Kaen [221 cases] and Phuket are the areas with the most reported instances of cholera, although the disease is now under control. The Ministry of Public Health has worked in each of the provinces to raise awareness of the disease by asking people to avoid eating raw food and meat for now.”

The last recorded case of cholera in Phuket was November 1. In Khon Kaen, a patient suffering from cholera was hospitalized October 17, although there have been no cases since, added Dr Prachit.

“We will stay vigilant to avoid an outbreak of cholera so that the disease will not have an effect on the high season,” said Dr Prachit.

Dr Wanchai said, “The Phuket Provincial Office and Phuket Public Health Office have been concerned about cholera and how the disease might affect tourism, but the situation is under control.

“Phuket implements strong measures regarding the cleanliness of restaurants and associated businesses. There have been no cases of tourists contracting the disease.”