BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thai authorities on Friday (Sept 12) have placed some areas of Bangkok under a rabies alert after detecting stray dogs infected with the disease.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority on Thursday advised residents and travelers in 11 areas of Bangkok and nearby Samut Prakan to avoid contact with stray dogs.
Rabies-infected dogs have been found in at least three parts of the Thai capital, the main gateway for foreign tourists to Thailand.
While no rabies infections have been reported in Bangkok, seven people have died in six provinces since the start of the year, Thai PBS reported. The Livestock Development Department has declared the affected areas temporary infectious-disease zones until Oct. 8.
Bangkok authorities have urged anyone bitten, scratched, or in close contact with a dog suspected of carrying rabies to seek immediate medical attention for vaccination. They also called on the public to report any dead dogs or cats, or suspected human cases of infection.
Tourism, a key driver of Thailand’s economy, contributes about 12% of the nation’s gross domestic product and supports roughly a fifth of all jobs. Foreign tourist arrivals have fallen 7% to 22.4 million so far this year, according to official data.
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