Dengue Fever Warnings

[Rocketman]

Health officials advise public to guard against mosquito bites, dengue fever

Health officials in Thailand are urging the public to take precautions against mosquito bites, with dengue fever likely to become more prevalent this year. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong from the Department of Disease Control says the number of dengue infections decreased in the last 2 years, primarily as a result of people staying home during the pandemic. However, the mosquito-borne illness is expected to become more widespread this year.

Since January 01.2022 about 193 people have contracted dengue fever, with 2 patients, a 37-year-old and a 40-year-old, dying from the illness. According to a Thai PBS World report, the patients are thought to have been unaware that they had dengue and used over-the-counter medication. Opas warns that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or diclofenac, are often used instead of paracetamol to bring down a fever. However, their misuse can lead to internal bleeding and death.

Dengue fever symptoms include high fever, which can last for between 2 and 7 days, headache and muscle aches, a red rash on the hands, legs, and other parts of the body, stomach ache, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some patients can go on to develop more severe symptoms and can collapse from shock or even die. Opas advises family members to monitor the condition of dengue patients closely and seek medical attention if the fever does not begin to reduce in 2 days with temperature reducing medication or through cooling the body with wipes.

The DDC chief says people should check for potential mosquito breeding grounds and eradicate larvae from water containers and ponds, either by disposing of the water or using products such as Abate larvicide or larvae-eating fish.

Of the 193 dengue patients diagnosed this year, most were found in central Thailand, including Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Prakan.

[Steve]

Dengue fever outbreak in Thailand’s Isaan Region


Four provinces in northeast Thailand have seen an outbreak in cases of dengue fever since January. So far, a total of 1,199 cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been recorded in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram and Surin. The most commonly affected age group are 10 to 14 year old children.

Symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain and a skin rash. Dengue has gained the nickname “breakbone fever” because of the severe joint pain it can cause. Cases often require hospitalisation and symptoms typically last two to seven days.

The disease is spread by infected mosquitoes. In Thailand, two species can spread dengue fever, the Yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, both characterised by their black and white stripes.
Yesterday, The Office of Disease Prevention and Control revealed the following case numbers from January 1 until now…

• Nakhon Ratchasima: 737
• Chaiyaphum: 223
• Buriram: 143
• Surin: 96

Nakhon Ratchasima has seen the highest number of cases, mostly concentrated in Non Thai, Non Sung and Chokchai districts. The most commonly affected age group is 10-14 year olds. The province’s public health office are accelerating measures to quell the outbreak by fumigating breeding grounds of the Asian tiger mosquito in the affected areas.

There are four strains of the dengue fever virus, and the body is able to build immunity to the strains it has been exposed to. It is possible to contract all four strains of dengue in one lifetime. If you get a high fever, chills and a skin rash, see a doctor right away.

[Logan]

Dengue fever cases in Thailand nearly double in past month

Taking extra measures to prevent mosquito bites is advised in Thailand, where cases of dengue fever have nearly doubled in the past month. Health authorities have voiced concerns about the threat of dengue fever this monsoon season. On July 11, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) recorded 9,473 cases of dengue fever since the beginning of the year. By August 16, the number of cases since the beginning of the year had shot up to 17,412.

In July, the DDC reported a total of eight dengue fever deaths in Thailand this year. By August 16, the death toll had risen to 14. In respective order, provinces with the highest number of cases are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Tak and Si Saket. The department reports that the illness is mostly found among adults. The department expects intensified dengue fever outbreaks in accordance with the disease outbreak cycle, which usually surges in rainy season.

Dengue fever symptoms include two to seven days of high fever, headaches, body aches, rashes and small red spots on the skin. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and loss of appetite. Special care is required once the fever starts to go down, with most recorded deaths occurring at this stage from shock, says the DDC. If a fever occurs for longer than two days and cannot be brought down by fever-reducing drugs, than dengue fever is suspected and the patient should see a doctor. The DDC warns against treating dengue with aspirin or ibuprofen.

Dengue is spread by bites from infected Aedes mosquitos, also known as Asian tiger mosquitos, which are easily identifiable by their black and white stripes. Director-general of the DDC Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong recommends removing mosquito breeding grounds from homes by keeping the home tidy, storing items in an orderly manner and increasing sunlight. Anything that stores water, such as vases, should have lids on and the water should be changed every week, recommends the doctor.

Mosquito bites can be prevented by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers and by burning mosquito-repelling incense, which is available to buy at 7-Eleven.