Dengue Fever Alert: Ministry of Public Health Urges Vigilance During School Term

Disease Control Division, Ministry of Public Health Look out for dengue fever during the school term. that is the beginning of the rainy season Therefore, we ask for the cooperation of the public and educational institutions to help manage the environment. Eliminate breeding areas for Aedes mosquito larvae around communities, educational institutions, and around homes. By keeping things in order and protect yourself from mosquito bites

Today (3 May 2024) Dr. Jurai Wongsawat, a highly qualified doctor Deputy Director General of the Department of Disease Control said that dengue fever is a public health problem in many countries around the world, especially Thailand, where outbreaks occur every year during the rainy season. Dengue fever condition Since the beginning of the year, 26,511 patients have been found (data as of May 1, 2024), which is 1.6 times higher than last year at the same time cases (hundred 29 each) and 29 deaths were found, the most -some of them in the age group of 65 years and older (0.41 percent) and in the middle of this May. This is the time when students start the school term. With the dengue fever situation in Thailand, the majority of patients are school children. and from the results of a survey of the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes The highest rate was found in schools and Dharma halls. Therefore, we request all educational institutions to urgently inspect and destroy larval breeding grounds every week from now on. To reduce the risk of outbreaks When school starts, students will be safe from dengue fever.

The Department of Disease Control would like to remind people to apply mosquito repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Especially patients with dengue fever To prevent the spread of dengue fever in patients to the community. Because patients with dengue fever, if bitten by an Aedes mosquito, can transmit dengue fever. (After the incubation period in mosquitoes) it can be transmitted to other people. Applying mosquito repellants to patients with dengue fever will help break the cycle. and reduce the spread of dengue fever

In addition, people are being asked to help investigate and eradicate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. By eliminating Aedes mosquito larvae to cover the range of 7 areas, namely 1. Sheds (houses / buildings) 2. Schools / educational institutions 3. Hospitals 4. Dharma Halls (temples / mosques / churches) 5. Hotels / resorts. 6. Factories and 7. Government organizations/private organizations There is a concentration of people at this place. It is considered a high risk area for dengue fever.

Dr. Jurai added that If people suspect that there are symptoms of dengue fever, such as high fever Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, blood spots on the body. You should not buy medicine to take yourself. Paracetamol is a safe antipyretic. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin should be avoided as well as medications that can cause serious problems such as gastrointestinal bleeding and difficulty with treatment If you take fever-reducing medication. If the fever does not go down within 1-2 days, you should see a doctor immediately. For more information, contact the Disease Control Department hotline, call 1422.

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Information from: Bureau of Insect-Borne Disease/Risk Communication, Division of Disease Control

May 3, 2024