2023-10-19 12:02:55
Title: Dengue Fever Outbreak Reaches Alarming Heights in Thailand 2023
Date: October 12, 2023
Thailand is currently facing its worst dengue fever outbreak in the past five years, with a staggering 110,809 reported cases and 106 deaths as of October 11, 2023. These alarming statistics reinforce the fact that dengue fever continues to pose a serious public health challenge, burdening the country’s resources and affecting the economic and social sectors, as well as the overall quality of life for Thai people.
In response to this crisis, the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health in Bangkok has teamed up with Takeda Thailand and Dengue-zero cooperation partners to raise awareness and spread hope through a new initiative led by “Ingma,” a virtual influencer created based on data from over 1.2 million Thai dengue fever victims over the past 15 years.
The event, titled “Forwarding hope from Ingma: Invite Thai People to Put a Pin to Stop Dengue Fever,” aims to encourage the public to take action against dengue fever by implementing surveillance measures, such as controlling mosquito larvae reproduction and building immunity. The initiative also allows participants to send good wishes and messages to their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of keeping them safe from dengue fever.
Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, Deputy Director General of the Department of Disease Control, highlighted the susceptibility of Thailand’s climate to dengue virus growth due to its hot and humid environment. He emphasized the urgent need to intensify disease control measures, urging people to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquito larvae, prevent mosquito bites by following the principles of ‘3 Prevents 3 Diseases,’ and adhere to other prevention guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Public Health. The ultimate goal is to reduce the spread of dengue fever in Thai society, moving towards a dengue-free future.
Mr. Chatchat Sitthiphan, Governor of Bangkok, expressed the city’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its residents. Public health volunteers across all 50 districts of Bangkok have been actively raising awareness and promoting preventive measures against dengue fever, collaborating with Dengue-zero cooperation partners to effectively communicate the threat and reduce transmission. Sitthiphan viewed the Ingma initiative as an important milestone towards building a protective barrier and collectively overcoming dengue fever.
Takeda (Thailand) Co., Ltd., represented by Mr. Peter Strible, Managing Director, acknowledges dengue fever as a significant public health problem, affecting over 390 million people worldwide, with more than 96 million severely affected individuals. Takeda is proud to contribute to dengue awareness and prevention efforts, working closely with the community and cooperating with other partners to control outbreaks and promote immunity against dengue fever. Takeda believes that only through collaboration and determination can Thailand achieve its goal of zero dengue fever cases.
Dengue fever, caused by the Dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, commonly spreads during the rainy season in tropical countries. It affects individuals of all genders and ages, with the highest number of cases found in children aged 5-14 years. Shockingly, the most deaths have occurred among the working-age population. The symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, a red rash, and blood spots on the body. Immediate medical attention is necessary, as dengue fever can cause low platelet count and potentially lead to shock and death if left untreated.
To prevent and monitor dengue fever, Thai citizens are advised to follow disease control measures such as ensuring water storage containers are tightly closed to prevent mosquito breeding, regular changing of water in containers, releasing fish that eat mosquito larvae, and maintaining a clean environment. Vaccination is also recommended to strengthen immunity against dengue fever, and individuals are encouraged to consult their doctors or local hospitals for further guidance.
As Thailand battles its worst dengue fever outbreak in recent years, collaboration between government bodies, healthcare companies like Takeda, and the public is crucial in curbing the spread of the disease and moving towards a dengue-free society.
*Data as of October 11, 2023.
**Actual figures may vary.]
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