“MOPH Warns of More Infectious Diseases Carried by Insects in 2023: Dengue Fever and Malaria Cases on the Rise, with 50% of Deaths in Adults, Urban Areas Must be Vigilant.”

2023-05-05 11:37:00

MOPH warns of more diseases brought by insects this year After not having an epidemic for 3 consecutive years, both “malaria” from patients from neighboring countries across the border for treatment and “dengue fever” in the dry season, still encountering tens of thousands of cases Fear of more rainy season, 50% of deaths are adults, urban areas must be careful



On May 5, Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn Deputy Director General Department of Disease Control The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said it expected that this year’s infectious diseases carried by insects would have more cases than last year. Because there has not been an epidemic for 3 consecutive years during the COVID-19 situation. In terms of malaria, the number of cases has now increased 3-4 times compared to the same period in 2022 due to the arrival of patients from neighboring countries. Received treatment in a hospital on the Thai side when diagnosed with malaria. Must be counted as a patient in Thailand and can be classified as a patient who has recently traveled to Thailand, for example, if staying less than 6 months, is considered a person from a neighboring country Or foreigners who have been in Thailand for more than 6 months when bitten by an infected Anopheles mosquito It also causes more infections.

More than half of these 2 groups of patients were found in Thailand. when there are many It may result in an increase in Thai patients, so all of them must be treated quickly. The principle is to watch out for those who have fever, headache, aches and pains, can’t eat, who are suspected of malaria to be diagnosed. which currently has malaria testing kits Similar to the COVID-19 test kit, when detected, they are promptly given a cure. If the drug is given sooner, the symptoms will improve sooner. and not spreading the infection

Dr. Sophon said that in the year 2020-2021, traveling in and out of the country is prohibited and there are good measures on the Thai side. malaria has decreased Currently, even with good measures But foreigners come in It makes more patients in Thailand. mostly along the border More than 90% of patients are in the border provinces, namely Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, the rest are not much, next to Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Currently, it is still a strain that is not resistant to drug treatment. But there may be an issue of inaccessibility to treatment. causing a long contagious period Because normally, if the medicine is taken quickly, the infection is gone, it won’t spread. when he came to rely on Thailand On the humanitarian side, it must be taken care of.

It is important to prevent anopheles mosquitoes from biting. Which is difficult because this mosquito lives in the wild. But in the area, anopheles mosquitoes are exterminated by spraying chemicals to kill mosquitoes and distribution of mosquito nets impregnated with chemicals to prevent mosquitoes from biting at night. When going out into the forest, clothing must be covered with long sleeves and long pants. Be careful of mosquito bites. The vaccine is still being researched.

“Thais traveling to border areas where malaria may spread If you come back and have fever, aches, headaches, can’t eat, some may have brain symptoms. If symptoms are compatible with malaria Must tell the doctor if there is a history of going to an area with malaria, such as the name of the province, area visited Doctors will think of malaria as another disease. will have a blood test able to diagnose When found, hurry to treat. But if going to an area in the mountains that doesn’t have an epidemic of malaria, it’s quite safe, however, must be careful not to bite mosquitoes and always follow the information. Because the situation can change, ”said Dr. Sophon.

As for dengue fever this year, it is another contagious disease brought by insects that has increased the number of patients. which during Jan. – Apr. 2023 It’s a dry season. There are still more than 10,000 patients. When entering the rainy season, the number will definitely be more than this, 13 deaths, of which more than 50% of deaths are adults, most of which dengue fever is a disease in children that is highly infectious. Most of them have few symptoms. But some people have severe symptoms and death. Currently has a good defense. Until adulthood, the second infection is more severe than the first infection. And adults who are infected a second time, such as teenagers, working people, may have severe symptoms. Including people who do not think they will have dengue such as Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, urban communities that already have dengue.

“When there is a fever, headache, eye pain, some people may have nosebleeds. bleeding from the gums or other areas of bleeding or women with menstrual bleeding longer than usual I didn’t think it was dengue fever. thought it was typhoid fever cause delays in receiving treatment When slow treatment is dangerous because it entered a shock phase or lost a lot of blood As a result, adults died more than children. Although the actual number of cases is higher than that of adults, however, if there is an early dengue campaign. which is not in the rainy season when there are many patients will reduce the risk which, on average, in previous years had approximately 40,000-50,000,” said Dr. Sophon.