Polio Risk in Thailand: Increased Surveillance and Vaccination Efforts
ThailandS Department of Disease Control (DDC) is closely monitoring a polio case reported in Savannakhet, Laos, with a recent travel history to Mukdahan province.While no cases have been detected in Thailand, the DDC has identified areas of Mukdahan and the border regions as high-risk due to lower-than-recommended vaccination coverage.
Dr. Panumat Yanwetsakul, Director-General of the DDC, stated that proactive measures are underway, including:
Weekly reporting of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases.
Active case finding and contact tracing with sample collection.
Environmental surveillance – testing wastewater and pond water in at-risk areas.
OPV vaccination campaign targeting Thai children under 5 and foreign children under 15 in border areas.
Review and preparedness exercises with relevant agencies.
Enhanced screening at international checkpoints – immediate referral for travelers exhibiting muscle weakness.The DDC advises individuals planning travel to Laos to verify their polio vaccination status and receive a booster if needed.Currently,thailand maintains control of the situation and urges parents to ensure their children are vaccinated according to recommended schedules. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, are also emphasized. Anyone observing acute muscle weakness in a child should seek immediate medical attention.
For more information, contact the Department of Disease Control Hotline at 1422.
