S
ummer is here in Thailand! The air is hot and dry providing the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Here are six illnesses to be mindful of during the summer months.
Acute Diarrhoea can be occur when eating or drinking water contaminated with infections, such as uncooked food, raw food, food that has attracted flies or food that has been sitting for a long time. Symptoms can include loose bowels, liquid water flux, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. People experiencing acute diarrhoea should drink plenty of water or liquid food, such as rice, soup and oral rehydration solution. If symptoms persist or do not improve seek medical advice.
Food poisoning is a very common gastrointestinal infection caused by toxins. Commonly bacterial toxins are found in food prepared in an unclean environment, food that is not cooked properly or food past its use by date. People experiencing food poisoning which can often show itself as acute diarrhoea, should drink plenty of water and oral rehydration solution. If symptoms persist or do not improve seek medical advice.
Dysentery is caused by bacteria entering the body through eating contaminated food or water. Symptoms of dysentery often include pain in the stomach followed by a fever and diarrhoea but may also include headaches, body aches, nausea and vomiting. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and oral rehydration solutions if required. If symptoms persist or do not improve seek medical advice.
Cholera is an acute illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe, even fatal. Usual symptoms include profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and leg cramps. The cholera bacterium is usually found in water or food sources that have been contaminated by faeces from a person infected with cholera. Cholera is most likely to be found and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. If you think you or a member of your family may have cholera, seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can be rapid so fluid replacement is essential.
Typhoid fever is a serious disease spread by contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid include lasting high fevers, weakness, stomach pains, headache, and loss of appetite. Some patients have constipation, and some have a rash. Internal bleeding and death can occur but are rare. Typhoid vaccine is only 50%-80% effective, so you should still be careful about what you eat and drink. If you believe you or a family member has the symptoms of typhoid, seek medical advice immediately.
Rabies is a disease passed to humans by infected animals. Ways of catching rabies include being bitten, scratched, or through the infected animals saliva. The best prevention is ensuring pets are vaccinated annually and avoiding contact with unknown animals. If you receive a bite or scratch wash the wound immediately with soap, water and antiseptic and consult a doctor immediately.
Most of these infections are caused primarily by consuming contaminated food and water, so please ensure the food you eat is thoroughly cooked, raw food is refrigerated and you are drinking clean, bottled or boiled water. Also ensure you and your family are washing your hands before eating and after going to the toilet. Reference: www.thaigcd.ddc.moph.go.th and http://www.cdc.gov/