# 2532
Thailand hasn't reported a human infection with the H5N1 virus since September of 2006, although they have conducted numerous tests on suspect cases over the past two years.
Last month, several outbreaks of H5N1 in poultry were reported in the northern provinces of Sukhothai and Uthai Thani. No human illnesses were reported.
Local media today is reporting on 5 suspect cases in Surin Province, which borders Cambodia, although the information provided is very sparse.
For now, these are simply suspect cases, and could be suffering from any number of influenza-like illnesses. In the past Thailand has been very good about releasing information, so we should hear more in the next day or two.
A hat tip to Dutchy on Flutrackers for this link.
Five Suspected Bird Flu Patients Found in Surin Province
UPDATE : 10 December 2008
Surin Province has implemented measures against avian flu epidemic after five patients were recently discovered with bird flu-like symptoms.
Deputy Chief of Surin Public Health Office, Peerasak Polprueksa, has revealed that five patients are now under close watch as they are suspected of being infected with bird flu after handling poultry that died 7 to 14 days ago.
Two of the suspected bird flu patients are from Karb Cheong District, another two from Muang and Sanom districts, and one is Cambodian.
Residents in Surin Province are advised to clean their hands after handling poultry, to wear disposable masks, and cover their mouths with handkerchiefs when sniffing or coughing.
Meanwhile, officials of the Surin Livestock Department, the Animal Quarantine Office, and Kabcheong Public Office sprayed a disinfectant substance around fowl markets near the Chong Jom border that connects to Cambodia, to prevent an epidemic of bird flu.
