Dengue Fever Endemic in Thailand and ASEAN: Ministry of Public Health Urges Prevention and Control Measures

Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Revealed after the launch of the ASEAN Dengue Day campaign that Dengue fever is endemic in Thailand and ASEAN. epidemic during the rainy season expected since the month Jun. Cases will increase in all ASEAN countries. therefore joining the campaign to prevent and control the disease The dengue fever vaccine is still new. must go through many steps to be careful However, it is a good thing that Japan has successfully developed a new dengue vaccine, and the Department of Disease Control (Kor.) will study the information before using it. Therefore, the current disease control measures must be continued, including

1. Destroy mosquito breeding sites in homes and communities. must work together in every home including school factory religious place which found that there are many breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes

2. Prevent mosquito bites

3. When sick with dengue fever The main symptoms are high fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. As the fever subsides, it begins to bleed under the skin. The latter is more common in adults and the elderly. After a few days, the symptoms were severe. During the epidemic, you need to be careful, if you have a high fever, you need to see a doctor. But since dengue fever is related to the flu, the early symptoms of COVID-19 are similar. If the first visit does not improve, go back and see the doctor again. because there is no direct antiviral drug

“After the outbreak of COVID-19 It is expected that this year there will be an increase in dengue fever patients in Thailand and ASEAN. Because people have reduced immunity from January to May, there are already 18,173 patients, 4.2 times more than last year, 15 deaths or 1 person per week is expected in June-August. The number of patients will be higher. Especially in densely populated areas such as Chonburi, Rayong, Bangkok and its vicinity, but during this epidemic period, every province is considered a risky area that needs to accelerate a nationwide prevention campaign. raise awareness Create community cooperation, use technology, applications to help record mosquito breeding sites. and the patient to be linked together to see the big picture, ”said Dr. Opas.

Prof. Sasisopin, M.D. Kiatburanakun Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University said that we currently have 2 types of dengue vaccines. Type 1 is a vaccine with a yellow fever virus core that can prevent 65% and prevent hospitalization 80%, and type 2 vaccine has a core. Dang Ki virus type 2 can be prevented by 80%, preventing hospitalization by 90%, which is used in Thailand, which is type 1, type 2 has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is expected to be available in the near future. Both types are live attenuated vaccines. have different utilization factors If receiving, must consult a doctor.