BANGKOK, 17 September 2015 – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has warned the public to guard themselves against dengue fever, influenza and the hand, foot and mouth disease as they are particularly widespread in the rainy season.
According to Director-General of the Disease Control Department Dr. Sopon Mekton, dengue fever has sickened more than 70,000 people and killed 62 since January. Around 5,000 to 7,000 people have come down with dengue fever each week during the past few weeks. Risk groups include obese people and women undergoing menstrual periods.
Influenza has infected more than 44,000 people and claimed 24 lives since early this year. Provinces with highest numbers of patients are Chiang Mai, Trat, Lampang, Bangkok and Rayong. Risk groups include small children, the elderly and pregnant women.
Meanwhile, hand, foot and mouth disease has sickened more than 26,000 people and claimed three lives. Most patients are kids under three years old. Preventive practices are regular clean-ups of toys and areas frequented by small children and regularly washing hands.
