As part of monitoring the outbreak of dengue in Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) Bureau of Epidemiology reports 17,412 total cases of dengue (dengue and severe dengue) from the beginning of the year to August 16. This figure is up from the 9,473 total dengue cases reported on July 11. The number of deaths rose from eight last month to 14 on August 16.
The provinces with the largest number of patients are, in order, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, So et Saket. For this year, the DDC expects dengue epidemics to intensify, consistent with the epidemic cycle of the disease. The department indicates that there is a trend towards a greater prevalence of the disease in adult patients.
Travelers are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The usual vector control measures should be observed:
- Wearing covering clothes.
- Mosquito repellents, containing DEET, on uncovered skin.
- Mosquito net impregnated with insecticide for the siesta and the night.
- People who use sunscreen should apply the repellent 20 minutes following sunscreen.
In order to avoid as much as possible the dissemination of the dengue virus on metropolitan territory, in the face of a sudden onset of fever and joint or muscle pain within 15 days of returning from a trip to a risk zone, it is necessary consult your doctor as soon as possible by reporting your trip.
Source : Outbreak News Today.
