BANGKOK, Thailand — The Department of Disease Control, Department of Health, and Department of Health Service Support, along with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Medical Association of Thailand, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Infectious Disease Association of Thailand, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand, Thailand Hospital Administrator Association, Private Hospital Association, joined together to continue their commitment to prevent a major outbreak of dengue fever, given the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to bring heavy rains and potential flooding, creating ideal conditions for dengue mosquito breeding. The historical data on dengue outbreaks over the past 65 years suggests that 2024 could see the highest number of cases in five years. The Dengue-Zero MOU partners remain committed to continue raising awareness that everyone is at risk of dengue – not just children, but even healthy adults can become seriously ill. Additionally, the partners are reinforcing knowledge of prevention measures from government agencies, including avoiding self-medication, especially with NSAID drugs, and reinforcing one’s immunity against dengue fever by means of vaccination is another option to consider, which is a preventive option suitable for all age groups. This is particularly important for high-risk groups, such as individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, kidney failure, chronic liver disease, ischemic heart disease, and pregnant women. These individuals should seek medical advice about vaccination to reduce hospitalization rates and the severity of the disease.
Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn, Inspector General, Ministry of Public Health noted that dengue outbreaks in Thailand tended to increase during the rainy season, and there was a risk of a major outbreak this year. From January to August 2024, over 62,860 dengue cases and 49 deaths have been reported. The Department of Disease Control continues to focus on proactive prevention and diagnosis of dengue fever by means of the fourfold four-month measures. The goal is to reduce the number of cases during the four-month period to below the projection by 30%, aiming for fewer than 100,000 cases in total. The fourfold measures include: (1) Disease and mosquito vector surveillance, with efforts to survey and eliminate mosquito breeding sites; (2) Collaborative efforts by public health agencies and local administrative organizations to control dengue fever according to academically rigorous standards; (3) Rapid diagnosis and treatment, with the use of NS1 Rapid Test kits for all suspected cases of dengue fever; and (4) Risk communication, including advising pharmacies and medical service centers to avoid dispensing NSAIDs to patients with symptoms similar to dengue fever, as these drugs can exacerbate the disease by irritating the stomach, causing bleeding, and preventing platelet clotting, causing even more bleeding.
Emeritus Professor Amorn Leelarasamee, M.D., Chairman of the Dengue-zero MOU, stated that despite the decrease by a factor of 0.87 in cumulative dengue cases compared to the same period last year, historical data on dengue outbreaks over the past 65 years suggested that 2024 could see the highest number of dengue cases in five years, with the most affected age group being those aged 5–14. So far, 12 deaths have been reported in this age group. Dengue fever is spreading across all provinces and regions of the country, prompting the Dengue-Zero MOU Partners to continue promoting proactive measures. The focus remains on intensive collaboration with national and local public health organizations, medical personnel, communities, and schools in high-risk areas. Public awareness efforts are also being intensified to educate people about the dangers of dengue fever and how to protect themselves. At the same time, we continue to emphasize on public awareness about dengue fever prevention, while also communicating the importance of proper actions if one contracts the disease—such as avoiding self-medication with NSAIDs and seeking immediate medical advice.”
Suthirat ‘Kung’ Wongtewan, a well-known performer, said that “dengue fever is much more dangerous than many people realize. It affects not only the patient but also their family and loved ones. If I may share a personal story, my sister is still in the hospital, and my family and I have been anxiously waiting for her to recover. The medical bills, on the other hand, are already on the rise. Preventive measures and protection are evidently indispensable. I hope my case serves as a reminder to everyone that dengue fever is closer than we might think. We never know when or where we might contract it, so precautions are our friend. I urge everyone to be aware of dengue fever, as the less you know about dengue, the more protection you need.”
Bangkok’s numerous areas were conducive to mosquito breeding. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is therefore taking proactive measures to prevent and control dengue fever by intensifying efforts in communities, schools, and religious sites to monitor and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Campaigns such as “Let’s Wipe Out Mosquito Larvae” and “Big Cleaning Day” activities, and environmental improvements are ongoing. The administration is also distributing Abate sand and mosquito repellent, and conducting health screenings in various areas. Bangkok Health Volunteers in all 50 districts and participating members of the public—the social capillaries for informational outreach—are actively raising awareness, reinforcing the “5C-1S-3K” strategy, and using the Line application to communicate the risks and preventive measures related to dengue fever more effectively. (NNT)
