TB epidemic in Thailand
Thailand has the 17th highest incidence of tuberculosis in the world.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Health Department deputy director Dr Chanchai Kumphong said 90,000 people were infected with tuberculosis every year. About 15,000, or 16.5 per cent, are in Bangkok. At least 60 per cent of Bangkok infections involve people younger than 45. Most live in crowded areas, he said. "There is a high risk of passing the disease to others because tuberculosis symptoms do not appear immediately," Chanchai said. National Health Security Office senior official Dr Chuchai Sornchamni said random checks of crowded places like shopping centres, department stores and fresh markets found one tuberculosis sufferer in every 500 people. Chanchai said there was a 98 per cent chance of full recovery if treated. "If you cough for two weeks, start losing weight and have a slight fever in the evenings, see a doctor," Chanchai added.
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