Latest news with #DepartmentofDiseaseControl
Daily Mirror
06-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum says ‘belly button trick' is first thing she does on a cruise
A travel tip suggested on the TikTok channel involves placing two plasters over a child's belly button, creating an 'x' shape. Some claim it can ease seasickness A mum has shared the slightly unusual thing she does as soon as she begins a cruise holiday. In a recent video on their TikTok channel, parents Artem and Victoria ran through the six stages of preparation they swear by when it comes to making sure their young lad is fully ready for a relaxing break. The first involves placing two plasters over his belly button, creating an 'x' shape. The move is not deployed so that seawater can't rush into the navel space, but as an apparent way to combat seasickness. The travel tip was offered after a family told their horrifying tale of a cruise ship that ended in tears and vomit. Motion sickness can quickly turn a cruise holiday into more of a nightmare than a relaxing break, with kids likely to struggle with the relentless, grinding nature of the feeling. In the caption, Victoria explains: "This simple trick helps prevent motion sickness in kids. Just place a band-aid [plaster] over their belly button. It really helped us on the cruise." The tip has been circulating for some time. One of the earliest examples online was posted by Thai Smile Airways, a budget airline that suggested the technique in 2014. "Using two plasters and applying them on the navel in a cross shape will ease the symptoms caused by plane and carsickness! Isn't it weird? Have you guys tried?" However, Thai health authorities say the claim is false. Dr. Kajornsak Kaewcharat, deputy director‑general of Thailand's Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, told AFP: "Scientifically, [applying plasters] does not help prevent or treat symptoms of motion sickness. You can say it may work for some people, but only on a psychological level or a placebo effect." While the placebo effect may help seasick kids to some extent, marine blog Sailing Choices suggests that water should be your first port of call if you're feeling poorly while on deck. "I've found most holiday sailors who think they're suffering from seasickness are actually just dehydrated. People simply don't realise how much fluid you use sailing in the hot sun, so before you try my seasickness cures, make sure you're full of water. And if you have got dehydrated and don't have any flashy preparations from the chemists in the first aid box, flat cola works a treat," the blog suggests. When I visited Antarctica last year, I crossed probably the most notorious and certainly one of the least predictable stretches of sea in the world : Drake's Passage. Running from the southernmost tip of Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula, the body of water is said to appear to sailors either as Drake's Shake or Drake's Lake. Before I was allowed to board the ship, its operator, HX, required me to meet with a private doctor who offered advice on how to prevent or deal with seasickness. His advice was to get up on deck and look towards the clouds on the horizon, which can help to steady your brain. Reading and drinking alcohol were best avoided, he said, while eating crisp green apples and drinking ginger tea were worth a go, even if the science on their effectiveness is not completely clear. While my stomach was sturdy enough to avoid having to use any of his suggested remedies, my wife opted for the tried-and-tested method of seasickness tablets. They seemed to do the trick.
Bangkok Post
04-08-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Authorities on high alert for avian flu
Health authorities are on high alert for cases of bird flu, after an outbreak in Cambodia killed six people. According to deputy government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak, the Department of Disease Control has raised its alert level to stay abreast of the threat posed by the disease, noting its potential impact on public health, livestock and by extension, the economy. "Avian influenza viruses, particularly subclade 2.3.2.1e of the H5N1 strain, remain of high concern due to their ability to cause major outbreaks," Mr Anukul said. He noted that since 2023, Cambodia has reported 26 confirmed human cases of bird flu, before noting 11 deaths from the disease have been recorded this year alone. Siem Reap province accounted for the highest number of cases, with four confirmed patients. In a bid to prevent a similar outbreak in this country, officials have been instructed to monitor the condition of poultry stocks in farms along the border with Cambodia and roll out preventive measures against the avian influenza virus. The Department of Livestock Development has also urged poultry farmers to boost their hygiene protocols to help prevent the spread of the disease. The recommendations include weekly cleaning and disinfection of poultry housing and surrounding areas, tightening access to farm areas, mandatory vehicle disinfection and increased monitoring of high-risk zones. "The government wants to remind everyone that although the risk of bird flu spreading to Thailand remains low, we must not become complacent," he warned. "Poultry farmers must closely monitor their animals. Those which display unusual symptoms or have died due to illness must not be sold, distributed, or consumed." He also urged the public to report suspected bird flu cases immediately to their local livestock officers, animal health or public health volunteers to ensure a rapid response.
New Straits Times
26-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Covid-19 fears prompt mass screening at Thai prison
KOTA BARU: Following a recent outbreak in Thailand, nearly 4,000 family members of Narathiwat prison inmates, including some from Malaysia, were screened for Covid-19 to prevent the spread of the virus within the correctional facility. The prison's Prisoner Development Division director Somsak Paddeang said the five-day mass screening programme, which began on July 21 and concluded yesterday, was held within the prison compound. "The screenings are a preventive measure following the rise in Covid-19 cases in Thailand. "We want to protect the health of the inmates and staff," he added. According to Somsak, the swab tests were conducted by nearly 10 prison officers with assistance from district health personnel. He said visitors who displayed symptoms or tested positive were immediately barred from entering the prison premises. "This proactive step is vital to stop any potential outbreak among the inmates," he said. Somsak added that all visitors, including Malaysians, were allowed to visit the inmates only after testing negative for Covid-19. According to Thailand's Department of Medical Sciences, the country has so far recorded 23 cases of the new Covid-19 strain XFG. Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported on Covid-19 situation that Bangkok continues to have the highest number of daily cases, with the nationwide total reaching 439,527 confirmed cases for the year. As of June 11, a total of 7,527 new cases were reported, including 7,164 outpatients and 363 hospitalized patients. This brings the total number of cases since Jan 1, 2025, to 439,527. Additionally, 6 new deaths were reported, bringing the total number of fatalities since the beginning of the year to 130.
Bangkok Post
17-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Free HPV jabs at 24 universities
The government has launched a new initiative to offer free HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccinations to female students at 24 pilot universities across Thailand, aiming to improve women's health and reduce cervical cancer rates. The initiative, led by the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, targets female students aged 20 to 26 who have never received the vaccine, Deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Wattanachan said on Thursday. The programme builds on the national policy of providing HPV vaccinations to girls aged 11 to 12, but data shows that many young women in higher education remain unvaccinated. The pilot will collect data to support a nationwide rollout. The single-dose, 9-valent HPV vaccine offers long-term immunity and helps protect against cervical cancer, Ms Sasikarn said. Participating universities include Chulalongkorn, Mahidol, Thammasat, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen, among others. The spokeswoman urged eligible students to take part, calling the jab a vital step toward long-term protection.
Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Monkeypox cases reach 40 for the year, govt urges caution
The government yesterday confirmed there have been 40 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Thailand so far this year, with officials urging vigilance, particularly among high-risk groups and travellers returning from affected regions. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak said yesterday that while the number of cases in 2025 is lower than in previous years -- 176 in 2024, and 676 in 2023 -- the disease has not disappeared. The domestic death toll stands at 13 since the virus was first detected in the country in July 2022. The Department of Disease Control will step up monitoring and screening, especially for international arrivals, amid concerns about more virulent strains from overseas. "The variant currently circulating in Thailand is not considered severe," he said. Mr Anukul said monkeypox continues to affect high-risk groups and that preventive measures are critical. The government advises using condoms during sexual activity, particularly for those with multiple partners, as it can reduce the risk of monkeypox and other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and syphilis. The latter has shown signs of increasing spread in recent months, he said. The public is urged to follow five key precautions: avoid close contact with individuals who have skin rashes or blisters, be cautious when engaging in sexual activity with unfamiliar individuals and seek medical testing if returning from Central or East Africa or the Middle East.
