BANGKOK, 16 October 2011 (NNT) – Due to massive flooding in many areas across Thailand, over 1,700 people mostly children have already started to develop conjunctivitis. The local Public Health Office has been told to contain the disease at the shelters for flood evacuees.

Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri expressed health concerns for children in the flood affected areas as the water reportedly has become contaminated by rotten farm crops and waste product.

Patients are mostly children who have contracted conjunctivitis; Mr. Wittaya added that even though there is no outbreak at present, health officials will try to prevent it from spreading further at flood evacuation centers.

Read more: NNT