Tighter bird flu screening of people coming to Thailand from infected areas

The Centre for Medical Genomics, of the Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University, has proposed that screening of Cambodians arriving in Thailand from areas vulnerable to bird flu be increased, to prevent the smuggling or unlicensed import of poultry or other winged animals.

The centre also proposed that Thai hospitals should be adequately equipped with personnel, anti-viral medication and personal protection equipment (PPE), to prevent the spread of disease.

Close coordination between the two countries’ public health organisations and exchange of information on bird flu is also recommended, according to the centre.

The pro-active measures, as proposed, come following the discovery of the 13th bird flu case of this year in Cambodia. Nine of those infected people have died.

According to the centre, the latest victim is a six-year-old boy, who is reported to have eaten about 100 dead chickens found in his village in July. He soon developed a high fever, vomiting, coughing and diarrhea and breathing difficulties. He was taken to hospital for treatment, where the H5N1 infection was confirmed.

The Cambodian Public Health Ministry is advising people who develop a high fever, cough and experience breathing difficulties, after being in contact with birds or poultry, to see a doctor immediately.