Thailand’s Department of Disease Control is warning of a threefold rise in dengue fever cases, with the mosquito-borne illness having claimed 33 lives so far this year.
According to a Nation Thailand report, DDC chief Tares Krassanairawiwong says more than 27,000 people contracted dengue fever during the first six months of 2023.
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Between January 1 and June 28, a total of 27,377 people received hospital treatment for dengue, which is 3 times higher than the same period last year. Of that figure, 33 people have died.
Tares says that since the start of June, between 1,500 and 2,400 people have been diagnosed with dengue fever, with another 3 people succumbing to the mosquito-borne illness.
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 account for most cases, followed by young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Most cases are being reported in the South, followed by Central Thailand, including Bangkok.
Nation Thailand reports that dengue can be caused by one of 4 virus strains, transmitted by an infected Aedes mosquito, commonly found in and around the home.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. Some patients have also reported nausea, vomiting, and a rash. Tares says anyone who has a high fever of over 40°C for two consecutive days, should report to hospital immediately and be tested for dengue.
The DDC has launched a public awareness campaign to combat the spread of dengue fever. The campaign is being run by village volunteers, local officials, and the private sector and aims to educate school children on how best to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
