May 27, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – Public health ministry warned that Thai people should not become victims of the anti-Chikungunya vaccine since no such vaccine is available in Thailand.
Dr. ML Somchai Chakraphand, director general of the disease control department, revealed that Thais could file a legal action against anyone who claimed they offered vaccine to fight Chikungunya disease.
Somchai said that the anti-Chikungunya vaccine is currently available only at a research center in the United States.
The United States has developed such vaccine, but has not finished the vaccine development yet.
Thailand is keen to contact the United States to use such vaccine to reduce the number of Chikungunya patients here.
Chikungunya situation has become more severe, especially during the rainy season.
Chinkungunya virus is an insect-borne virus which can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The virus causes symptoms similarily found in dengue fever.
Thailand is developing the anti-dengue fever vaccine in Ratchaburi. The experiment is in the third phase, and results will be known in 2-3 years.
It is also developing the anti-AIDS vaccine in Rayong.
