Dr Opart commented that the number of influenza patients should drop next year because it would be warmer, but vaccination for people in risk groups must continue, he said.
This year influenza killed about 50 persons in Thailand and the number of patients exceeded 60,000 early this year due to cold weather.
He projects that some insect-carried diseases like hemorrhagic fever will spread next year due to warmer weather that will stimulate mosquito growth.
More than 40,000 fever patients are expected next year, he said, urging the control of mosquitoes, the carrier.
Dr Opart also warned that the hand, foot and mouth disease would continue to attack young children next year and he recommended frequent hand washing and the cleaning of appliances to control it. (MCOT online news)