BMA, April 17-MOD revealed that after Songkran, there may be more cases of COVID-19, placing 3 measures to prevent the spread. As for the strain XBB.1.16, it has not been found to be more severe – avoiding the landscape more than others.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health said that this year’s Songkran Festival has returned to a large number of gathering activities, such as family gatherings. pouring water on the elders Especially the Songkran water play that is organized in many areas. After abstaining during the COVID-19 epidemic for many years, during activities, there were close contacts and did not wear masks. Therefore increasing the risk of infection and causing more patients to be found after the Songkran festival which is as expected In the latest week of the situation, from April 9-15, 2023, 435 new patients were admitted to the hospital, an average of 62 per day, 30 pneumonia patients, 19 intubation and 2 deaths who received needle vaccination. Has been aroused for more than 3 months
Dr. Opas continued that advice to the public after the Songkran Festival Observe your symptoms for 7 days. In the meantime, avoid getting close to the elderly. or people with chronic illnesses If you are sick, check for ATK. The Department of Disease Control has laid out guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For the public, there are 3 measures:
1. Everyone receives an annual COVID-19 vaccination, especially target groups for influenza vaccination. able to receive both types of vaccines at the same time, starting in May 2023, will help reduce severe illness and death For those who have bad immune system Able to receive ready-made immunity (Long Acting Antibody: LAAB), which is still useful for those who have been vaccinated and unable to create immunity The Department of Disease Control has delivered vaccines and LAAB to service facilities under the Ministry of Public Health to inject people sufficiently.
2. Wear a mask in public Especially when participating in activities or going to places with a large number of 607 groups, such as hospitals, aged care facilities, and 3. Check ATK when sick with respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, sore throat. If the result is positive, wear a mask when in close contact. others Avoid close to group 608, where there are many people. If symptoms worsen, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. To be hospitalized for group 608 or people with low immunity See a doctor immediately for antiviral medication and follow up closely. In case of family members Friends/students/colleagues who have tested positive for ATK in the last 1-2 weeks, inform health officials for surveillance. prevention and control
As for the measures for medical and public health personnel: 1. Accelerate public communication. And prepare for the annual COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccine, especially for risk groups. 2. Prepare enough medicines, medical supplies, and beds to support severely ill COVID patients. 3. Every province accelerates monitoring and continuous disease reporting. both in hospitals and communities Especially all deaths from COVID 19, collect samples of respiratory secretions, send them for RT-PCR testing and detect strains at the Department of Medical Sciences. along with a background check And report information within 24 hours and 4. Every province has to prepare a team to investigate the disease. All patients with severe symptoms and death to find causes/risk factors for the severity of the disease Including outbreaks of diseases that look like clusters. especially in hospitals, schools, aged care facilities Disabled and underprivileged people, military camps, prisons, tourist groups according to the specified criteria
Dr. Suphakit Sirilak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, said that the Department of Medical Sciences together with the laboratory network Continue to monitor the strains of COVID-19. Currently, the strains that are prevalent in Thailand are still in the Omicron family. The main strains were XBB hybrids and XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.9.1 were found to have an upward trend. The strain XBB.1.16 was found more and more. same all over the world It was found that in India there was a rapid increase. Experts around the world believe that XBB.1.16 is likely to replace other strains. all in the end Or become the main species that will spread in the next period however, it was not found to be more virulent than other omikron strains. It has not been shown to be more capable of evading vaccine immunity than other omikron strains. Also found during this time – Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency