Kids lost weight, but still healthy

THE soccer teammates rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand lost weight during their 18-day ordeal, but had water while they were trapped and are in good health, a health official said.

The 12 boys and coach rescued “took care of themselves well in the cave,” said Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong, a public health inspector at the hospital in Chiang Rai city where the group is recovering.

The four boys rescued Sunday can eat normal food and walk around, and the four pulled out Monday were eating soft food.

Mr Thongchai said one member of the final group of four boys and the coach who arrived at the hospital Tuesday evening had a slight lung infection.

Two of the first group had a lung infection as well, and Mr Thongchai said they would need medicine for seven days.

The average weight loss was 2kg for those with known information, Mr Thongchai said.

They were able to obtain water dripping inside the cave.

The boys remain in isolation in the hospital to prevent infections by outsiders. But family members have seen at least some of the boys from behind a glass barrier, and after a period of time with no problems, the family members would be allowed closer while dressed in sterilised clothing.

Health officials have also previously said the boys would get a mental health evaluation, to address any problems caused by their ordeal.