2023-07-23 16:47:38
Dengue Fever Cases Increase by Over 5,000 Per Week Nationwide, Says Department of Disease Control
The Department of Disease Control has reported a significant increase in dengue fever cases across the country. According to their latest findings, there has been an increase of more than 5,000 cases per week, with a total of 40,000 cases since the beginning of the year. This surge in cases has sadly resulted in more than 40 deaths, particularly in 30 districts across 18 provinces.
On July 23, 2023, Dr. Thares Krassanaiwiwong, the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, held an online meeting with public health teams and representatives of the Department of Local Administrative Promotion. The meeting aimed to emphasize the importance of disease prevention and control measures over the next four weeks, from July 21 to August 18, 2023. The 30 districts in the 18 provinces mentioned in the meeting include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Tak, Phetchaburi, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Krabi, Phuket, Songkhla, Satun, Narathiwat, and Bangkok. These areas have seen continuous dengue fever cases for over eight weeks, with cases in the last four weeks surpassing the average of the past five years, indicating a potential dengue epidemic.
In response to the rising cases, Dr. Thares has issued an urgent policy to various specialist teams and centers, including the Division of Communicable Diseases carried by insects, the Division of Epidemiology, the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 1-12, the Urban Disease Prevention and Control Institute, and 38 insect-borne disease control centers across the country. These teams will provide academic support and resources to reduce the number of dengue fever cases below the average of the past five years.
Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, has explained the significance of the Communicable Diseases Act B.E. 2558 in monitoring and controlling diseases like dengue fever. If the number of patients remains high and continuous, more intensive measures will need to be implemented. As stated in Section 9 of the Act, the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control has the power to declare areas where dengue fever is spreading, with the recommendations of the academic committee. This declaration will empower communicable disease control officers to take action under Section 34, similar to the measures implemented for dangerous communicable diseases like COVID-19 during its initial outbreak.
Under Section 34 (8), local health teams will have the authority to enter houses, buildings, places, or vehicles suspected of having an epidemic outbreak in order to prevent and control the disease. This may involve searching for mosquito larvae, eliminating breeding grounds, and spraying chemicals to eradicate mosquitoes. Additionally, Sections 34 (4), (5), and (6) require venue owners to eliminate mosquito larvae, fix the environment, and follow the orders of the officer. These measures, if implemented, will increase public cooperation and help reduce illness and deaths from dengue fever more effectively.
The Department of Disease Control will also issue a letter to inform the provincial communicable disease committees of the 18 provinces to implement intensive dengue prevention control measures over the next four weeks. This will include the establishment of a CDCU plus VCU, an insect-borne disease control unit, consisting of epidemiologists, entomologists, and medical technologists. The department will also coordinate with local administrative organizations to provide resources for controlling and preventing dengue fever. Individuals who suspect they may have dengue fever are encouraged to seek medical attention for diagnosis or call the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422 for more information.
With these efforts and increased public cooperation, the Department of Disease Control aims to curb the rising dengue fever cases and prevent further deaths caused by this preventable disease.]
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