Unidentified Subtype Of Influenza A Virus Hits Southern Prison In Thailand With Over 3,500 Cases, 25 Hospitalizations And 2 Deaths!
James Josh Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 02, 2024 7 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, 4 hours ago
Thailand Medical News: In a worrisome development, Thailand's medical authorities have reported a troubling outbreak of Influenza A within a southern prison, resulting in significant concerns due to its impact on inmates' health. The outbreak, centered in Nakhon Si Thammarat prison, has affected a staggering 3,550 individuals and tragically led to two deaths.
Unidentified Subtype Of Influenza A Virus Hits Southern Prison In Thailand
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Thailand Medical News coverage delves into the details of this outbreak, including its scope, the response from health officials, and the measures being taken to mitigate its spread and impact.
The Outbreak Unveiled
Officials from the Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed the outbreak after a team of officials inspected the situation at the prison in Phra Phom district. It was reported that between April 19 and 28, a concerning 3,442 out of 4,427 inmates tested positive for the Type-A strain of influenza.
Unidentified Subtype Of Influenza A Strain At Play
While the Thai medical authorities confirmed that the inmates tested positive for Influenza A virus, what subtypes that were involved were not identified.
The Influenza A strain subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 are currently the predominantly circulating around most parts of the world in 2024.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/influenza-a-virus-subtypes.htm
https://www.paho.org/en/topics/influenza-sars-cov-2-rsv-and-other-respiratory-viruses
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
As of now, the Thai authorities have not disclosed as to what revealed what sub-type of the Influenza A strain is involved or if a new or novel subtype is possibly involved.
Strangely despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, none of the 3,500 infected individuals tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Current Situation
According to the medical authorities, the majority of affected inmates exhibited minor or mild symptoms, prompting treatment with anti-viral medications. However, the severity of the outbreak became apparent as two inmates with underlying health conditions died from the infections.
A local doctor from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital revealed that 25 inmates from the prison were sent to the hospital as they were exhibiting disease severity and five of them needed mechanical ventilation due to severe symptoms such as high fevers and compromised oxygen levels.
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It was also reported that many locals in the Southern province are also experiencing respiratory infections.
Response and Management
To manage the outbreak effectively, health authorities have implemented a tiered system for infected inmates based on symptom severity. The infected population has been divided into three groups - green, yellow, and red - allowing for targeted monitoring and treatment based on individual needs. It was noted that the spread of the virus was facilitated by group activities within the prison, prompting comparisons to the preventive measures employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a bid to curb further transmission, the prison has suspended all visitations, substituting them with video calls to maintain contact between inmates and their families. This move aligns with broader public health strategies aimed at minimizing close contact and reducing the risk of viral spread in confined settings.
Preventive Measures and Vaccination Campaign
As part of broader preventive efforts, the government has initiated a vaccination campaign targeting vulnerable groups ahead of the upcoming rainy season not only for those in the Southern provinces but for the whole country. These groups include pregnant women, children aged between six months to two years, individuals aged 65 and older, and those with a BMI over 35 or weighing more than 100kg. Free influenza shots are being offered at public hospitals from May through August, with a total of 4.51 million vaccine doses earmarked for distribution.
Officials from the Department of Disease Control (DDC) at the Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health , emphasized the importance of vaccination in reducing the severity of symptoms, hospitalizations, and mortality associated with influenza. With flu infections expected to rise, particularly between August and November, vaccination remains a critical strategy in safeguarding public health and mitigating the impact of seasonal outbreaks.
The Broader Context and Statistics
The outbreak in Nakhon Si Thammarat prison reflects broader trends in influenza infections across Thailand. Since the beginning of 2024, approximately 123,739 individuals have been infected with influenza, resulting in five deaths. These figures underscore the ongoing challenge posed by respiratory viruses and the imperative of proactive public health measures to protect vulnerable populations.
COVID-19 Cases Increasing In Other Parts Of The Country
It was also noted that COVID-19 infections are also rising elsewhere in Thailand at worrisome rates.
After the last report warning of rising COVID-19 cases last Sunday, we are still receiving reports that COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions and numbers of people needing mechanical ventilation along with COVID-19 deaths are still rising over the last few days. Many private hospitals are witnessing a rise in both COVID-19 outpatients as well as COVID-19 admission.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-covid-19-cases-at-alarming-levels-in-thailand-1672-new-weekly-covid-19-hospitalizations-148-on-ventilators-390-in-icu-9-deaths
Conclusion: Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Preparedness
In conclusion, the influenza outbreak in Nakhon Si Thammarat prison highlights the complex interplay between infectious diseases, confined environments, and vulnerable populations. The response from medical authorities underscores the importance of swift action, targeted interventions, and ongoing surveillance to contain outbreaks and minimize their impact.
Looking ahead, sustained efforts in vaccination campaigns, infection control measures, and public awareness are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by influenza and other respiratory viruses. By prioritizing the health and well-being of at-risk groups and adopting a comprehensive approach to disease prevention, Thailand aims to strengthen its resilience against future outbreaks and ensure the continuity of effective healthcare delivery.
For more on the Influenza A crisis unfolding in the Southern parts of Thailand, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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