Beware of dengue fever: 15 have died, over 25,000 infected
The Department of Disease Control has warned people to beware of dengue fever during this rainy season after more than 25,000 people caught the fever and 15 died.
Department director-general Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said yesterday (July 12) that the number of dengue fever patients from January 1 to July 8 was 25,708 people, while 15 people have died. The most affected were in the 15-24 age group, followed by those 10-14 years and 25-34 years.
“This fever has spread across the country,” he said. “Chaiyaphum has the most dengue fever patients, followed by Rayong, Khon Kaen, Mae Hong Son and Nakhon Ratchasima.”
He forecast that the number of dengue fever patients would increase this week, adding that the Thai Meteorological Department said many areas would face heavy rain, which will enable mosquitoes to lay eggs in water-filled containers or areas holding water.
“Therefore, the department would like to advise people to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by keeping their clothes inside wardrobes, disposing of garbage regularly, closing the lid of water-filled containers, and changing water in pots or vases every week,” he said.
“These recommendations will help people to avoid contracting dengue fever, the Zika virus or the Chikungunya virus.”
He added that people can prevent mosquito bites by also wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using various types of mosquito repellents such as lemongrass or other chemicals, and sleeping under a mosquito net.
“Those with a high fever, headache, muscle aches, blood rashes, decreased appetite or epigastric pain must see a doctor as soon as possible,” he advised. “For more information, please contact the Department of Disease Control via hotline 1422.”
