BANGKOK, 23 June 2011 -Spokesperson of the Department of Disease Control Dr. Rungrueng Kitphati said no report of death related to scarlet fever had been found in Thailand, while urging the public to remain calm.
Following the outbreak in Hong Kong, Dr. Rungrueng reassured that the number of patients with scarlet fever was small and no one had died from the disease yet. He further explained that people who have contracted the scarlet fever may have the following symptoms; a sore throat, a fever, visible rashes across the torso and neck.
The disease is identified as a type of bacteria called Group A streptococcus and infection is airborne. It can be found in all age groups although it is more common in children aged 2-8 years old. Anyone with similar symptoms should seek medical attention.
People are advised to wash their hands frequently, stay in a well ventilated space and cover their mouths and noses when sneezing. According to the Department’s statistics, 50 provinces across Thailand have been reported to have scarlet fever patients in the past 3 years.
They are more of them in the Northern and Northeastern regions with an estimation of 1,600-1,800 patients per year. Since the beginning of year until 10 June, 2011, there have only been 524 patients with scarlet fever in Thailand.
