Campers in forest areas warned of malaria infection

Campers in forest areas are advised to be careful of possible malaria infection and otherwise to immediately seek medical treatment. 

Department of Disease Control (DDC) Director-General Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk disclosed the number of malaria patients in Thailand from 1 January to 25 November 2016 was recorded at 16,651, 5,051 of whom being foreigners. However, that number of malaria patients has decreased from last year.

He said most infections have been found in border areas and among those who may have crossed the border or stayed overnight in a forest area near the border. Most have been found in Yala, Tak, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Ubon Ratchathani, Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi, Srisaket, Chiang Rai and Pattani, accounting for 89.67 percent of all the patients throughout the country.

Malaria may be infected into humans from mosquito bites. The type of the carrier mosquitos is commonly found in the neighborhood of mountains, forests, rubber plantations and natural water sources. Campers in those areas are advised to exercise extra precaution not to be bitten by mosquitos.

Malaria symptoms which usually exhibit after a 10-14 days time include a high fever, headache, intermittently feeling hot and cold and excessive sweat. Malaria can be cured if the patient seeks medical attention in time. Patients are discouraged from buying or using medicine by themselves.

NNT

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