Flood-hit areas escape disease outbreaks

No major disease outbreaks related to the flood crisis have been found, though risks still remain for residents returning to their homes, say health authorities.

Months of flooding had not caused harmful waterborne outbreaks and the incidence of post-flood diseases was not as high as anticipated, said a joint statement released by the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration.

Disease surveillance data showed most common illnesses in affected populations were minor such as athletes foot, upper respiratory tract infection, conjunctivitis and food poisoning.

These illnesses were mostly found in shelters and were quickly managed. The overall rates for these health conditions were not much different from seasonal incidents.

Most deaths associated with the flood were due to accidents, especially drowning and electrocution. The Flood Relief Operations Command reported a total of 675 deaths, three people missing and more than 4.7 million people affected.

International communities were concerned over the post-flood outbreaks while local health experts also warned that a leptospirosis outbreak could also re-emerge through the lack of good sanitation and garbage management.

People were also advised to be aware of the risk of fungal-related and water-borne diseases when returning to their houses after the floodwater has receded, as the risk period had not yet ended.

Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Paijit Warachit said much support from the WHO and Thailand MOPH-US CDC Collaboration and many other countries in terms of providing medical equipment, 

supplies and technical cooperation enabled the country to carry out disease surveillance and run control systems effectively during the emergency situation.

Activities included sending hundreds of mobile medical units to provide health services in temporary shelters and flood-affected communities as well as sending rapid response teams to monitor the health situation.

They also investigated reported outbreaks and improved sanitation and food safety at shelters and communities.