BANGKOK, 26 June 2013 The Public Health Ministry is accelerating its measures to prevent expansion of dengue virus as this year’s infections are rising higher than last year.
According to the statistics compiled from January 1st – June 21st, nearly 49,000 people were infected with dengue virus. 59 of them died. The number shows that this year’s dengue situation is worse than that of last year. The ministry has, therefore, been campaigning all over the country to raise awareness among the people, especially children who are most likely to be infected, to be cautious and to avoid mosquito bites.
The ministry is also asking the people to help eliminate mosquito breeding ground by cleaning up all water containers. The ministry has also instructed all related agencies to use mosquito-killer spray in the risk-prone areas.
Dengue situation usually worsens in rainy season as mosquitoes, which are dengue virus carriers, can lay their eggs and breed easily and quickly.
The ministry is also warning those who experience flu, headache, or body ache, to consult a doctor immediately as they could be infected by the deadly dengue virus.