BANGKOK – The Ministry of Public Health has rejected rumors that a new strain of Dengue Fever was found in the country. However, authorities are expressing concern over an increasing risk of an outbreak of the disease.
Department of Disease Control Deputy Director-General Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong quoted the Bureau of Epidemiology as saying that since January 1st until November 2nd, over 100,000 people have contracted Dengue Fever. Among them, 102 died.
Phetchaburi province had the highest number of Dengue Fever patients, followed by Rayong, Ratchaburi, Uthai Thani and Prachinburi. Authorities are also concerned about the situation in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Bangkok, as more people could be infected with the disease. However, no new strain of Dengue Fever has been found in the country.
Meanwhile, 11,584 people have been diagnosed with Dengue Fever in four lower northeastern provinces. 13 people have died from the disease. Nakhon Ratchasima saw the highest number, with 5,621 infected people and 9 deaths. Statistics show the number of people infected with Dengue Fever has increased five-fold this year.
In Ang Thong province, authorities are spraying risky areas in a bid to get rid of mosquitoes. 20 more people have been infected with the disease, brining the the total to 957 in the province. No deaths have been reported in Ang Thong.
