BANGKOK, 23 May 2014 – Although over 6,000 people in Thailand were infected with the deadly dengue virus in the first five months of 2014, the number represented the lowest figure in five years.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, a total of 6,420 people came down with dengue fever during January through May 2014, four of whom succumbed to the disease. The number of dengue infections during the period was the lowest in five years. The city with the highest dengue infections was Bangkok, followed by Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi.
It predicted that Thailand would see the number of dengue infections surge throughout the year, especially during the rainy season, while expecting the number to reach 70,000 by the end of 2014.
In order to make sure that all provinces are well-prepared, the ministry has ordered all responsible agencies nationwide, including hospitals and schools, to step up measures against the virus. All communities have also been asked to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in their areas.
