The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is advising people living or travelling in 11 areas of Bangkok and Samut Prakan to avoid contact, or even getting close to stray dogs which may be infected with rabies.
In its Facebook post today, the BMA reported that stray dogs, suspected to be infected with rabies, had been sighted Soi Chaloem Phra Kiat on Rama 9 and Soi 49 in Nong Bon sub-district and advises anyone within 5km radius of these areas to avoid contact with strays.
Meanwhile, the Area 10 Office of the Livestock Development Department has designated nine sub-districts in Bangkok and two in Samut Prakan as temporary infectious disease zones, effective until October 8th.
The areas are Nong Bon, Dok Mai, Prawet, On Nut, Pattanakarn, Tap Chang, Lat Krabang, Bang Na Nua and Bang Chak sub-districts in Bangkok and Bang Kaew and Racha Thewa sub-districts in Samut Prakan.
Anyone who was or is bitten, scratched or was or is in close contact with a dog or cat suspected to be infected with rabies is advised to clean the wound with soap and then immediately see a doctor for anti-rabies vaccination.
Anyone who comes across a dead dog or cat, or one suspected to be infected with rabies, is advised to call the stray dog control unit on 02-3287460 or 02-3287355.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, seven people in six provinces of Thailand have died from rabies since the beginning of this year.
