17 SRRTs deployed to prevent/contain diphtheria epidemic in Thailand

BANGKOK, October 8 (TNA) - The Ministry of Public Health has deployed 17 strong surveillance and rapid response teams (SRRTs) in eight Thai provinces to prevent and contain outbreaks of diphtheria. Speaking to reporters Monday, after a meeting to enhance the SRRTs potential in preventing and containing the diphtheria epidemic in the affected areas, Dr. Pornthep Siriwanarangsan, Director-General of the ministry's Department of Disease Control, said that the 17 SRRTs have now been stationed in the eight provinces, including Loei, Petchabun, Nongbua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nongkhai , Pitsanulok, Khon Kaen and Chaiyaphum , being hit or vulnerable to be hit by the diphtheria outbreaks, as ordered by Thai Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri. Dr. Pornthep acknowledged that the public health minister has also instructed ministerial inspectors in the affected and vulnerable provinces to work together with local public health and disease control offices to maximize the speed and efficiency in stopping the diphtheria epidemic. According to official statistics, there were 59 diphtheria patients in the affected provinces from June 1-September 25, 2012, 46 in Loei, 10 in Petchabun and the remaining three in Nong Bua Lamphu, with two fatalities. (TNA)