Dengue fever cases reach 26,000 in Thailand, 33 deaths

BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Public Health says that the number of dengue fever patients nationwide has reached about 26,000 so far this year, 33 of them have died. Dr. Wichai Satimai, an expert of the ministry's Department of Disease Control, told reporters of the update on Thursday, acknowledging that the number of dengue fever cases since early this year has increased from the corresponding period of last year. Dr. Wichai noted that the number of dengue fever patients has risen by some 2,000 in each fortnight on average, with 3-4 fatalities, and that most of those who have contracted the virus are youths aged below 15 years. Dr. Wichai warned that up to 90 per cent of those infected with the dengue virus have shown no symtoms, urging the public to, therefore, remain on alert and to always use or spray mosquito repellent and to eliminate breeding grounds of common house mosquitoes, the carriers of the disease, to prevent themselves from contracting the deadly disease. The senior official suggested those who suspect to have contracted the dengue virus, signaled by having high fever of over 37.5 degree Celsius for two days with red rashes on their bodies, especially those with congenital diseases, to immediately see the doctors. The senior official said that the dengue fever cases in Thailand have mostly been found in the South, followed by the Northeast, and that his ministry is, thus, working together with other relevant agencies, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Ministry of Education, to destroy breeding grounds of the common house mosquitoes at households and schools, particularly in the areas at risk, before the new semester starts in mid-May. (TNA)