How to fight the rising dengue threat after heavy rains
People must beware of dengue fever, after rains in several regions of Thailand have spawned huge numbers of mosquitoes, Department of Disease Control (DDC) director-general Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai has warned.
“From January 1 to August 24, 47,738 cases of dengue fever have been reported with 32 deaths,” he said. “During the rainy season alone [June-August], we have had 29,814 new cases, or 62 per cent of total patients.”
“Dengue fever carried by mosquitoes can be commonly found in young people, with 26.22 per cent of patients in the 15-24 age group, 22.25 per cent aged 10-14 and 13.14 per cent aged 25-34,” he added. “Provinces that have seen most cases per 100,000 population are: Mae Hong Son, Rayong, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen.”
The DDC advised people to follow these instructions to reduce the risk of dengue fever:
▪︎ Clean up your home and never leave clothes lying around to reduce places where mosquitoes can live.
▪︎ Properly dispose of garbage in and around the house. Empty containers of food should be put in garbage bags to prevent mosquitoes laying eggs in rain water.
▪︎ Put a lid on all water containers. Change water in flower vases and plant pots every week.
▪︎ If you have high fever for more than two days and feel tired, nauseated, have a stomach ache and red spots on the skin, go and see a doctor for proper diagnosis. Avoid using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Brufen, as they could cause internal bleeding.
For more information, contact DDC Hotline at 1422.
