Myanmar-Thailand border office. - Photo: Eleven Media Group/ANN
YANGON (Eleven Media Group/ANN): Due to an outbreak of cholera in Myanmar's Shwe Kokko town, Thai authorities have announced the closure of the Thailand-Myanmar border for one month, as reported by Khaosod English, based in Thailand.
Starting from Tuesday (Dec 24), to prevent the spread of cholera in the Tak district along the Thailand-Myanmar border, Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has ordered the border to be closed for one month, according to the news report.
Additionally, to prevent the spread of cholera, the Ministry of Public Health has set up an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in the Tak district, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
The Public Health Office in Tak district is currently operating as the EOC, with Dr. Supachok Wechaphanphesat acting as the chief health inspector, as announced by Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, on Sunday.
The EOC is monitoring the potential spread of cholera in border villages, factories, and refugee camps. They are also ensuring the quality of drinking water, advising displaced persons on personal hygiene, monitoring food markets and vendors, and preparing medical supplies, including rapid test kits, to combat the disease, as stated by the Permanent Secretary.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, approximately 200 cholera cases have been reported in Shwe Kokko town, with two fatalities. There have been two cases of cholera in Mae Sot district, with both patients being sent to Mae Sot Hospital, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
Authorities assume that the cholera outbreak on the Thai side originated from a pregnant Myanmar woman, and that a relative who visited her also contracted the disease, according to the report.
Thai soldiers are patrolling the border gates in Mae Ramat and Mae Sot districts, preventing illegal crossings and blocking unauthorized entries, as the report continues.
Furthermore, the authorities in Tak district have sent medical supplies to Shwe Kokko town to assist in controlling the cholera outbreak, as mentioned in the Bangkok Post. - Eleven Media Group/ANN
