2023-11-12 19:52:21
Dengue Fever Cases Spike in Thailand, Health Officials Urge Public to Take Precautions
The Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, has reported a sharp increase in dengue fever cases in Thailand. According to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, Acting Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, there have been 123,081 cumulative patients and 139 deaths from January to November 2023. This year’s cases are 3.4 times higher than last year during the same period.
Health officials have raised concerns about the upcoming merit-making festivals, such as the Kathin ceremony, Pha Pha ceremony, and Loi Krathong, which could lead to a further increase in dengue fever cases. These festivals usually involve large gatherings at temples, providing ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue fever.
The Department of Disease Control is urging the public to be vigilant and help eliminate breeding grounds for Aedes mosquito larvae. Measures such as keeping the house clean, improving the environment in and around homes, and preventing mosquito bites are recommended. The public is also encouraged to report suspected cases of dengue fever and seek treatment promptly.
The Ministry of Public Health has a rapid diagnostic test kit that can be tested at Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals, with timely diagnosis and treatment being crucial in preventing severe symptoms and death. Health officials are also emphasizing the importance of preventing mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds to curb the spread of dengue fever.
Additionally, the Department of Disease Control is monitoring the situation by surveying Aedes mosquito larvae to assess the risk of Aedes mosquitoes in key areas such as temples, schools, and industrial factories, where mosquito larvae have been found.
Health officials also highlighted the risk factors for dengue fever, including delays in receiving a diagnosis, underlying diseases, and certain demographic factors. They emphasized the need for public cooperation in eliminating Aedes mosquito breeding grounds and following preventive measures to reduce the risk of dengue fever.
For more information and assistance, the public is encouraged to call the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.
The Division of Insect-borne Diseases/Risk Communication Office, Department of Disease Control, provided the information for this article on November 12, 2023.]
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