May 14, 200917 yr In Thailand there has so far been only 2 cases of Swine Flu reported. That doesn't seem to me to be much of a cause for alarm just yet. However, if you do want cause for alarm, how about Chikungunya disease, a viral disease similar to Dengue Fever carried by mosquitoes. There's no shortage of mosquitoes in Thailand and so far over 15,000 cases have been reported. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ 15,000 Come Down with Mosquito Virus Published: 15/05/2009 An outbreak of Chikungunya disease, a virus spread by mosquitoes, has struck the South with over 15,000 people infected. No fatalities have been reported. Disease Control Department chief Somchai Chakrabhand said 15,240 people in 15 southern provinces had been infected with Chikungunya disease from January to April. The department has asked local health offices to intensify surveillance, particularly in the provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, Trang and Phatthalung, where the most people have been admitted to hospital. He said the Public Health Ministry was confident it could contain the epidemic. The ministry had increased surveillance measures. Mr Somchai said a shortage of health staff posed a major problem for the ministry to deal with outbreaks of diseases, particularly the A (H1N1) flu. To contain the Chikungunya epidemic, health officials have been sent to tell people about the disease and how to destroy mosquito breeding grounds. He urged provincial governors to head Chikungunya suppression teams in their provinces as the ministry had inadequate medical equipment and staff. Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. Its symptoms are similar to dengue fever.
May 14, 200917 yr The Aedes aegypti mosquito biting human flesh. Shown actual size!!! (well, maybe not) Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
May 16, 200917 yr The Aedes aegypti mosquito biting human flesh. Shown actual size!!! (well, maybe not) Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Is this the mosquito from Texas?
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