H5N1 avian influenza epidemic, Department of Disease Control held a meeting to raise surveillance measures
The Department of Disease Control held a meeting to raise the level of surveillance measures for “avian influenza”.
Deputy Director General Department of Disease Control Thailand is vigilant at border checkpoints After news, Cambodia found 11 children died from bird flu. While the father was infected, it was revealed that on March 2, the Director-General chaired a One Health meeting discussing relevant agencies to raise preventive measures in Thailand. At present, Thailand has not found any bird flu patients for more than 16 years.
On February 24, at the Department of Disease Control (Kor.), Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (Kor.), Ministry of Public Health (Sor.) Addressing the case of reports of Cambodian children dying from avian influenza that for news reports of H5N1 avian influenza patients in Cambodia She was an 11-year-old girl who was sick on February 16 and died in the past two days. The father of this patient is infected. but no symptoms because the information has just arrived Therefore, continuous monitoring is required. However, at present, there are two cases of bird flu in Cambodia which have been notified to the World Health Organization. and other countries
Dr. Sophon said that, however, there were previous reports of other countries as well, at the end of 2022, one child died from bird flu in Vietnam. From tracking the outbreak of the disease, it was found that Most of them were infected from birds that had been infected with avian influenza before. As for the Cambodian case, an 11-year-old girl lives in Prey Veng province. which is in the southeast of Cambodia The symptoms are fever, sore throat, respiratory symptoms.
The risk was also found in children. Because there is a chance to come in close contact with the birds. and may not be careful “Thailand has not seen bird flu since 2006, or it has been 16 years. We have not had anyone sick with bird flu.
But most people still know about this disease. and with our experience The system that we put in place will be able to screen and prevent which various hospitals. It still has the same surveillance system. What is at risk is the smuggling of poultry along the border. Ask people to refrain from bringing poultry into Thailand.
which is governed by law As for people returning from countries where the disease has been found, there is an outbreak. If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, sore throat or runny nose, please see a doctor. including wearing a hygienic mask Washing your hands can still help prevent it, ”said the deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
When asked if the case of avian influenza patients who is the father of the girl who died in Cambodia Is it an infection from a girl or from poultry, Dr. Sophon said that he had to ask for information about the investigation of the disease from Cambodia first? But initially it probably came from an infection from contact with poultry. It is also an animal-to-human infection.
The reporter asked whether the avian influenza virus found was different from the original. Dr. Sophon said that because the incident had just happened. therefore have to wait and see the verification information that Are the subspecies different? But as far as I know, it’s still H5N1, which is the same virus that has been encountered in this region.
However, bird flu has a high morbidity and mortality rate. In the past, 2 in 3 died of illness, then left 50%, which averaged 870 cases worldwide, 457 deaths, more than 50%, which is information reported by the World Health Organization in early February 2023 found in 21 countries that have reported Which Thailand had met and reported a total of 25 cases, 17 deaths, about 2 in 3, but Thailand has not yet been found.
“By the 21 countries that we met It is often a country located in the equatorial region, like Thailand as well, with a lot of poultry farming. And during the cold weather, the cold season, the rainy season, the disease can be found, but I repeat that Thailand has not yet found it. Which has not been found for about 16 years, while in the cold countries met as well But rarely infected with people, ”said Dr. Sophon.
When asked how Thailand will improve disease control, Because now it is found in a country near Thailand, Dr. Sophon said that in the case of Cambodia, it is quite far from Thailand. But we definitely have to raise the level of disease control. In which the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control has emphasized the international communicable disease control checkpoint Land channels to raise the level of surveillance together with other agencies such as the Customs Department, animal checkpoints, plant checkpoints,
communicable disease control checkpoints that take care of travelers. work together to be more rigorous Watch out for both animals and people. There will be a care system. For example, the coroner would take care of the person by taking the fever, checking the symptoms, taking the risk history. If there is a risk, samples will be sent for testing. separate watchers If imported, continue to take care of it.
When asked whether to screen for a particularly risky country or not, Dr. Sophon said that it really looked all over, but at any risky point, it was given more importance. which the Department of Disease Control checkpoints are already operating
“On March 2, the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control You will preside over a meeting called One Health Coordination or One Health will discuss bird flu. both surveillance disease control measures which is usually discussed all the time But when the news of bird flu There will be more uplifting talks,” said the deputy director general of the Department of Disease Control.
What is H5N1 Avian Flu?
Bird flu (avian influenza or bird flu) is caused by a mutant strain of influenza A virus. Which occurs in poultry, whether birds, ducks, chickens, both naturally occurring or raised in a greenhouse Some other animal species can also be at risk of H5N1 avian influenza, but it is most common in poultry such as birds, ducks, chickens and birds, so it is called avian influenza or bird flu, which can also affect humans. all ages
How can I get infected with H5N1 avian influenza?
It is transmitted through the faeces and secretions of infected birds. if touch
inhaling germs into the body
Eating poultry or their eggs uncooked It makes the risk of infection with the avian influenza virus. The safest poultry is meat cooked at 74 degrees Celsius or higher. Poultry eggs, such as chicken or duck eggs, should be cooked until the whites and yolks are cooked.
bird flu symptoms
similar to influenza but more severe, such as high fever, muscle pain, headache
have respiratory problems, such as a cough or runny nose
Other early symptoms that occur acutely include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain, scurvy. nosebleed or symptoms of conjunctivitis
In addition, there are many patients in the early stages. There will be respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hoarse voice, and crackling sound when breathing, with sputum. In some cases, there may also be blood in the sputum.
Livestock, poultry control After Vietnam found a 5-year-old child infected with “H5 bird flu”
How to prevent bird flu
Avoid contact with birds and poultry. (live or dead) or excrement of these animals.
If you come into contact with these animals, wash your hands with soap and water immediately.
Cook food thoroughly before eating.
Travelers returning from infected areas should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you feel flu-like symptoms By notifying the doctor about the travel history and wear a mask to prevent the spread of
However, during the treatment Your doctor will recommend rest and drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol. (Paracetamol) to reduce fever and pain along with antiviral therapy to reduce the severity of symptoms Prevent potential complications and increase your chances of survival.
These drugs are highly effective if the patient receives them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. But in the case of bird flu There is still no confirmation that it will be the same or not. Therefore, it should be treated as soon as possible, even after the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. However, even though Thailand has not found bird flu for 16 years, it is not a right. getting sick or experiencing eating undercooked food Get in the habit of washing your hands. Therefore, it is the best way to prevent all diseases, not just bird flu.
Avian Flu 2023
H5N1 virus