Online game shops found to be flu hubs

Online game shops have been identified as a major transmission point for influenza type-A (H1N1) virus among children, who make up the largest group of flu infections.

The number of children contracting the virus has jumped sharply since Saturday, the first day of a five-day long holiday.

Questioning of young H1N1 patients has found many developed their flu symptoms after visiting computer game shops, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodee said yesterday.

On Sunday, more than 200 children tested positive for the virus, and 160 of 196 new cases reported yesterday were children.

Game shops are favourite hang-outs for children. The shops are usually packed with game-addicted youngsters, especially on holidays. Many children stay at the shops overnight.

Mr Manit said he would like to see the online game shops closed during the holidays to limit H1N1 infections.

"But if that [shop closures] is not possible, I will send health authorities to talk to shop operators on how to improve hygiene measures," he said.

The deputy minister called on game shop operators to clean their computers with disinfectant.

He said it was difficult to contain the H1N1 outbreak because of the mobility of people during the long holidays.

Hospitals countrywide have all had more than 100 outpatients seeking influenza treatment in recent days.

The number of H1N1 patients admitted to hospital has doubled from about 20 over the holidays.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai yesterday instructed hospitals to step up measures to prevent medical staff and hospital visitors from contracting the H1N1 virus.