BANGKOK, July 2015 – The spread of mosquito-borne virus is warned throughout the country after over 35,000 cases of dengue fever were found in the past seven months.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a warning for people to monitor the illness which might happen due to the water storing habit of people during the currently long period of drought.
An alert is also given on upcoming rains which can cause dengue to spread. Mosquito eggs laid on disposed containers or soil surfaces can hatch months or years later whenever they are flooded with water. The larvae can hatch within 30 minutes before turning into adult mosquitoes within a period of 7 days.
According to the DDC, there are 35,591 cases of dengue fever reported from 1st January to 21st July this year with 26 deaths. Most cases of infection were found in a group of students aged between 10 and 14 years, following by 5-9 years. The most affected areas are Tak, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Phetchaburi provinces.
This year, there are two times more of reported cases of Dengue Fever than last year, an official says. The Department expected around 60,000-70,000 cases to be found by the end of the year.
The dengue fever is a blood-borne virus found mostly in Southeast Asia. Most symptoms include high fever, body rash, severe headaches, dizziness, muscles and joint pains with no runny nose. Hospitalization is required for the treatment.
According to Dr. Sopon Mekthon, the DDC Director-General, the Department prepares to fight against the disease spread with environmental management plan, stepped-up communication with the people and organizing provincial teams to monitor the situation. The public are now urged to spray mosquito repellents both inside and outside the premises. The government sector will conduct war room conferences and prepare medical personnel for the campaign.
