Obese Children in Thailand at Higher Risk for Severe Dengue Fever: Mahidol University Study and Vaccine Development Progress

among countries in the tropics such as Thailand It is often inevitable that the spread of infectious diseases carried by mosquitoes is often inevitable. Especially when the weather starts to rain. Being bitten by a mosquito that carries dengue can lead to serious illness.

Lecturer, M.D. Rojanee Lert Boon Medal Lecturer of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University revealed that now the pediatric intensive care unit Ramathibodi Hospital Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University An increasing number of obese pediatric patients with severe dengue hemorrhagic fever symptoms are due in part to the nature of the outbreak. Often found more during the beginning of the rainy season. And the symptoms will begin to worsen after the fever is reduced for about 3-5 days.

In addition, it was found that children who are obese have a higher risk of severe dengue infection than normal children due to inflammation of the body that may be more severe than normal children. and more difficult to observe It was also found that in the blood collection for examination. Or provide fluid therapy during critical periods such as intravenous infusions and intravenous fluids. more difficult than normal children It needs to be done by a professional.

Normally, in treating pediatric patients with dengue fever who are physically healthy. The pediatrician will give medication according to the symptoms, such as antipyretics, mineral water to reduce dehydration. and let parents watch the symptoms at home first in the first period Then make an appointment to follow up at the hospital for blood testing. whether there is a chance of bleeding or shock or not again on days when the fever lasts longer than 3-5 days, or if after the fever has decreased The patient has exhaustion, can’t eat, has little urine output. or bleeding symptoms such as nosebleeds there is a spot of blood on the skin Vomiting blood or black stools

But if symptoms worsen Mahidol University by a team of pediatricians Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Ready to deal with the situation 24 hours a day. In the past, it has tried to produce new innovations to detect dengue to support such as urine testing as an alternative for pediatric patients whose incomes are limited in blood collection.

While the hope of seeing Thai people produce their own dengue vaccine is approaching. Recently, Mahidol University has announced the success of the invention of 4 strains of dengue vaccine in the same needle so that it can be injected in children under 9 years old, which will provide immunity for up to 5 years. Testing before entering the production process so that it can be used safely and safely in the future

Lecturer, M.D. Rojanee Lertboonrean said that there is still a debate about the age range of the risk group. This may affect the push for a policy to establish dengue vaccination as a basic vaccine for Thai people in the future. Because at present, it is found that the age of the dengue outbreak is not at a young age like in the past. But it is becoming more common in patients during early adulthood.

“However, it is still necessary to eliminate the root cause of the problem by preventing bites from Aedes mosquitoes that carry dengue fever. And most importantly, always keep your body healthy. especially in children at risk Should be careful not to be overweight until obese. It will increase the risk of becoming severely ill when infected with dengue hemorrhagic fever.” Dr. Rojanee Lert Boon Medal say goodbye

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Interview and news writing by Thitirat Dechprom, public relations (specialized in corporate communication) General Administration Division office of the president Mahidol University Tel. 0-2849-6210

Source: Mahidol University

Mahidol University