Diarrhea locks Russian tourists in Thailand at home: dengue epidemic declared

In just one week from June 5 to June 12, almost 6.5 thousand people, most of them tourists, came down with an unknown disease, the main symptom of which is “uninterrupted and uncontrollable” diarrhea, which does not allow the patient to even lie in bed. In Phuket, which suffered the main blow of an unknown illness, mass poisoning with water or food was suspected. But on Thursday, the Thai Bureau of Epidemiology under the Department of Infectious Disease Control officially declared the threat of tropical dengue fever and issued a memo for tourists on how to save themselves from it.

We talked to Russian tourists in Phuket, who the day before also complained of “indigestion from poisoning.”

“All three of us, sorry for the details, have not left the house and even the toilet for the 4th day,” says the Russian woman, who is in Thai Phuket with her husband and son. – At first we sinned for food, bought something from a street brazier in the heat, although we know that it is better not to do this. But it smells really appetizing, and everyone in Tae eats this street food and everything seems to be fine … And at the same time, terrible weakness, hail of sweat and muscles seem to twist.

Compatriots say that they went to the doctor: in the conditions of the Thai island, this is a “medical office”, the treatment of which consists at least in good advice, and at most in a prescription for the right medicine.

– From such medical offices they are sent to the hospital, but only those who no longer walk themselves, – says a compatriot. – There is such a smiling Thai doctor, he said that in recent days only ours go to him. And all, they say, with diarrhea. And from certain areas, mainly tourist. Doctors allegedly suggest that the reason is in the water that comes from the taps in these areas, as well as in the ice from it. Here, a lot of ice is put in any drink, and it is frozen from tap water.

Doctors reassured the Russians that water samples from the places where the most complaints came from had already been sent for examination, and the problem would be solved. In the meantime, they need to drink more, eat less, take dehydration powders and general support pills.

– We returned home, and the next morning all three became even worse, – says our tourist. “We’re calling that medical office, we can’t go anymore. And they answer us that on June 8, when we came, several thousand more appeals were recorded. And not only in Phuket, but throughout Thailand. And, they say, it is surprising to them that it is mainly in places where tourists gather. Probably some kind of norovirus. And with such a hint that we almost brought him.

Norovirus is an acute infectious disease of the gastrointestinal tract, transmitted through contaminated food or water and through contact with infected surfaces or people. The main symptom is diarrhea, followed by vomiting and general weakness. Usually the disease goes away on its own, if dehydration of the body and the addition of additional infections are not allowed. However, real alarm soon arose.

“Their DDC, it’s something like our Pandemic Control Committee, reported that the country had the highest dengue epidemic in a three-year period,” the Russian woman is horrified. “The initial symptoms of this tropical fever are the same as those of this norovirus, but it requires treatment! But we won’t get it! The medical office replied that we should “still just wait, observing the precautions”!

According to official data from the Kingdom, the number of dengue infections recorded on June 8 is 500% more than a year ago, and June is the most “nourishing” time for dengue. The largest number of severe cases are in popular tourist areas. Of the 19,503 infections this year, 6,370 are in the last week alone, and there are already 17 deaths. Tourists are urged to be as careful as possible.

“No wonder, the dengue outbreak in Sri Lanka has already passed its peak, now it’s up to other tropical regions,” says Russian epidemiologist Vasily Reznikov. – Another name for dengue is bone-breaking fever. This virus, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, causes severe pain throughout the body – the head, eyes, muscles and joints. The first symptom is uncontrollable diarrhea. Some infected people also develop a rash, bleeding of varying intensity from a variety of places – the nose, mouth, gums, and bruises of unknown origin appear on the body. You need to monitor your well-being and, at the first sign of malaise, go to the medical office with a specific requirement – to pass an analysis for dengue. Do not self-medicate, do not use aspirin at high temperatures (with dengue, this will only worsen the condition). Stay hygienic, wash your hands and dispose of trash immediately. And until the end of June, refrain from walking through tropical thickets and near stagnant bodies of water, especially at dawn and at sunset, when dengue mosquitoes are especially ferocious.

According to our doctors, on average, the acute stage of the disease lasts a week, accompanied by a high temperature. The most dangerous “side effect” – shock, occurs if the acute stage is not treated, people with weak blood vessels, heart and kidneys are at risk.

– A severe form of dengue occurs only in those who have gradually become infected with all types of the virus, and there are 4 of them – DEN-1, 2, 3 and 4, – domestic epidemiologists answer the question of whether to flee from Phuket. – That is, in order to get into a hospital bed, you must very hard do what is not recommended. But this is only possible with asymptomatic fever after the first bite. Otherwise, you will not be able to walk through the tropical thickets, you will not be able to leave the toilet.

The Thai Epidemiology Department also advises tourists to avoid mosquito bites by all means – wear closed clothes, use repellents and mosquito nets. Remove from the dwelling and its surroundings all possible sources of mosquito breeding – stagnant water, open garbage containers and water tanks, etc.