Conscript dies in meningitis outbreak in Prachuapkhirikhan

[troopie]

I thought we were 'Central' -- what's this "upper southern province" stuff?

Conscript killed in meningitis outbreak

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN: -- Young army conscripts in Thailand's upper southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan are facing a fortnight’s quarantine after the death of one of their members from meningococcal meningitis.

Private Kriengkrai Somlook, 21, is thought to have contracted the deadly bacteria from a Myanmar labourer.

Today the province’s chief public health official, Dr. Phiphop Jensuthiwechakul, said that laboratory analysis was being conducted to determine the exact cause of death of the young conscript, who was carrying out his national service at a local army flying base.

Everyone who had recently been in contact with the conscript will be quarantined for a fortnight, to help prevent the spread of infection.

The bacteria which causes the disease is contracted easily, particularly through the shared use of crockery and cutlery.

Meningococcal meningitis is extremely rare in Thailand, with only 31-72 suspected cases reported between 1994 and 2003.

--TNA 2005-06-09

[lomuamart]

Unfortunate for the conscript, but interesting to note that blame is possibly being laid at the feet of a Burmese labourer as they have also been blamed for recent outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever in Prachuap, Chumphon and Ranong.
Do the authorities always need a scapegoat?

I've seen Prachuap province described as both central and south. I've always regarded it as south, with Petburi marking the end of the central region. If they can't make their own minds up, what chance have we got?

[troopie]

That makes sound sense -- I think! I suppose we can consider HH to be northern-south or southern-central, depending on which backs up whatever they're saying!
What the hell -- where did I put my beer?