More cases of malaria

The Department of Disease Control's (DDC) chief, Dr Somchai Chakkrabhand said this year the number of Thai people infected with malaria in the first nine months was 20,506 - while the number of migrant workers was 20,803. Tak province is the most hit area with 4,471 cases; while Yala recorded 3,971; and Narathiwat 1,284 cases.

Somchai said the number of migrant workers with malaria in three provinces is increasing - in Chantaburi, Tak and Kanchanaburi - and he expects the overall number of malaria cases to be even higher next year.

In order to control the spread of the disease, the DDC has con¬ducted a rapid search for malaria victims and is provid¬ing medication for preventative measures.

DDC has also established malaria clinics in infected areas across the country to provide medication, chemical mosquito nets, and pesticide spraying.

The Public Health Ministry has conducted training for health officers from 5 countries - Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam and Thailand - to strengthen surveillance and response to cross border disease, with a focus on malaria.