• 
• 

Published on October 26, 2007

Research released yesterday said about 2,000 people in the three strife-torn southern provinces suffered from malaria following inadequate medical care as most staff at all 253 health centres and clinics had been transferred because of frequent attacks by Muslim terrorists.

Another 1,000 people were suffering from malaria in Songkhla and 75 in Phuket, both of which are tourist areas.

In the Northeast, 200 people in Khon Kaen and 22 in Maha Sarakham caught cholera after eating uncooked or fermented meats and fresh water clams.

Dr Phaibool Assawathanabordee, a senior health official, said cholera was last reported in the region 17 years ago, and that it was unusual it was spreading during the wet season instead of the summer months as before.

He said diabetes and obesity were also reported to be higher among teenage north-easterners because of their fondness for fast-food and other junk snacks, especially among those living in urban areas in major provinces.

North-easterners also consumed alcohol at the highest rate, 43 per cent compared to 38.33 per cent nationwide, as well as the highest smoking rate of 19.49 per cent compared to 17 per cent.

The Nation