Beriberi outbreak in Human trafficking protection center Songkhla Province

Abstract

 On  September 10, 2019  Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12, Songkhla was notified by Hat Yai Hospital. There were 8 victims of trafficking at Hat Yai Hospital, with dyspnea, muscle weakness and leg pain. Songkhla Provincial Health, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12, Songkhla jointly  investigated  the  outbreak. The investigation purpose for verifying the diagnosis, describe epidemiological characteristics, to study factors or conditions related to the illnesses, and to provide prevention and control measures. Clinical interview, physical examination and laboratory study, and testing for toxic substances and heavy metals in water samples were performed. The results showed that. total of 75 suspected cases with 1 patient were confirmed diagnosis of beri beri. 11 patients were evaluated in hospital (2 inpatient, 9 outpatient). There was Burma 24.7%, and Hinya 11.1%. The first patient is a Burmese aged 26 years without underlying disease. Getting sick early in August 2019 with dyspnea. The most common symotomp was numbness of hands and feet 85.2%, malnutrition 13.1%. Results of the water samples, heavy metal content does not exceed the standards. They didn't eat coarse rice, brown rice, bread, corn, milk. They sometime ate vegetables and fruits. 4.9% of them ate betel betal everyday. The study indicated that vitamin B1 deficiency seems to result from inadequate intake. They didn't eat coarse rice, brown rice, corn bread, milk, beans, and other green leafy vegetables and fruits which not enough nutrients as daily requirement. Eating betel betel which contains substances destroyed or hinder absorption of vitamin B1.