Warming 'will boost spread of insect-borne diseases'

Dr Chalermchai Boonyaleepan, from Srinakharinwirot University's Faculty of Medicine, said that since Thailand was in the tropics, the impact of global warming in regard to new diseases might not be huge, however the preva¬lence of existing tropical diseases could increase. And mosquitoes and bugs might move around more within regions.

He said Thailand should prepare for rising prevalence of diseases and more infection or diseases from insects.

The rising mercury could cause an increase in allergies, Chalermchai said, as a large proportion of these were caused by dust mites that like to live in hot and damp places. The warmer environment might also cause fungi spores to change.

Thailand currently had a high rate of allergies - especially children who suffered nasal allergies and asthma, he said.

Skin allergies were also likely to worsen, as the hot weath¬er would cause people to sweat more and that could cause peo¬ple to have more rashes.

Chalermchai, thus, urged researchers at public health agencies and related fields such as entomology, ecology, or even livestock development, to study possible impacts of climate change and rising tempera¬tures. He said an integrated approach would help make them formulate better plans, predictions and preventive measures.

Dr Sant Hattirat, from Ramathibodi Hospital, said that in order to cope with dis¬eases that came with the global warming, people should take care of their health, eat daily meals with basic essential nutrients, and exercise regularly.

He also urged people to control their emotions and stress from their work and living conditions, saying rising global temperatures might contribute to a rise in mental health and temperrelated problems.