PRESS RELEASE:
Health reports have indicated that the number of influenza patients tripled recently, with young children in schools identified as a high-risk group. To combat the surge, the Ministry of Public Health has ordered hospitals to prepare for a potential outbreak and has dispatched epidemiological teams to at-risk communities.
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said the latest data recorded 138,766 confirmed influenza cases. Despite a low fatality rate of only two recorded deaths, authorities are stepping up preparations across all relevant agencies.
The outbreak is predominantly of the A/H1N1 strain. Data from the Disease Control Department revealed that one school in Lamphun province had 101 students exhibiting influenza-like symptoms in a one-week period between late August and early September.
Out of five samples tested, four were confirmed as influenza type A. In response, epidemiological teams are focusing on schools, particularly in high-risk areas, and hospitals are gearing up to offer preventive flu vaccinations.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.
