2023-11-22 03:14:51
“Whooping Cough Outbreak Strikes Southern Border Provinces, Ministry of Public Health Urges Vaccination”
The Epidemiology Division of the Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning to the Office of Disease Prevention and Control (DPO) nationwide regarding an outbreak of whooping cough in three southern border provinces. Dr. Chakkrath Pittayawong-anon, Director of the Epidemiology Division, revealed that there have been more than 100 confirmed cases of whooping cough, with the majority of cases found in Pattani and Narathiwat provinces.
The Ministry of Public Health has urged the public to be vigilant and take precautions against the spread of whooping cough. The disease, caused by bacteria, can be prevented through vaccination against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DPT). This vaccination is one of the basic vaccines for young children, with the first three doses administered at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months.
The symptoms of whooping cough include fever, respiratory issues, body aches, and enlarged lymph nodes in the throat. The infection can be particularly dangerous for young children, as evidenced by the tragic death of an 18-day-old infant from whooping cough. The child’s mother had not been vaccinated against pertussis, leaving the infant vulnerable to the disease.
Dr. Chakkrath Pittayawong-anon emphasized the importance of vaccination as a key strategy in preventing the spread of whooping cough. The current outbreak in the southern region is attributed to low vaccination coverage, with some areas having less than 30% vaccination rates. The Ministry of Public Health stressed the need for at least 80-90% vaccination coverage to effectively protect against the disease.
In addition to vaccination, preventive measures such as wearing masks and seeking prompt medical treatment if symptoms arise are recommended. The Ministry of Public Health has urged the public to take the outbreak seriously and to seek medical attention if they suspect they have been infected.
The spread of whooping cough has underscored the importance of vaccination and disease prevention efforts. The ministry is working to raise awareness and provide support to areas with low vaccination coverage to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.]
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