11 November 2011

Thailand floods – Health Protection Agency advice.

Heavy monsoon rains, tropical storms and typhoons have caused extensive flooding in Thailand. As many UK travellers are already in Thailand or plan to visit in the near future, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published guidance for health professionals seeing returned UK travellers and advising those who will visit Thailand.

                                                        Map courtesy from Relief Web

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As of 11 November 2011, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential travel to regions of Thailand affected by the flooding. This includes the city of Bangkok, where there is the risk of further flooding. UK travellers often use Bangkok as a starting point for their holiday or trip. Whilst Bangkok’s international airport remains open, Bangkok’s domestic airport is closed. Road and rail transport has also been disrupted, particularly in northern Bangkok.

The HPA guidance highlights the possibility of a rise in gastrointestinal illness due to contaminated water, escalation of mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue and malaria and the occurrence of outbreaks of diseases such as measles due to crowded conditions.

Other topics reviewed are the potential increase in rabies cases due to displaced animal populations is also discussed, and the impact of heat and humidity on travellers unused to extreme conditions. The HPA directs health professionals to in-depth sources of information and appropriate patient assessment/treatment protocols.

Health professionals can also find advice for travellers and aid workers to areas affected by natural disasters on the NaTHNaC website. Information on specific health risks in Thailand can be found on NaTHNaC’s Country Information Pages.

All UK travellers planning to visit Thailand should be advised to consult the FCO website country page for Thailand for further updates. Maps and further details of flood affected areas can be found on the Relief Web site.

Links

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Thailand travel advice.

Health Protection Agency: Thailand floods: Advice for health professionals.

Thailand Tourism Update.

Thai Meteorological Department.

NaTHNaC: Advice for travellers to areas affected by natural disasters