NONTHABURI, – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has stepped up its dengue fever prevention campaign, following signs that the number of patients will likely increase this year.
MOPH Permanent Secretary Sopon Mekthon disclosed that the number of dengue fever cases from January 1-11 has reached 583 patients across the country. Most patients were aged between 15 and 24, showing that students and youngsters are the most susceptible to the disease.
Dr. Sopon said the number of patients this year could reach 166,000, surpassing that of last year. Provinces with the highest incidence of dengue fever are Nakhon Pathom, Phuket, Phichit, Sisaket and Songkhla. Provincial public health offices have been instructed to cooperate with local organizations in the disease control operation.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by dengue viruses. Its symptoms include prolonged high fever, loss of appetite, nausea and mild bleeding. Those suspecting dengue fever must not take any fever medication other than paracetamol and must seek medical attention immediately.
