The Bureau of Epidemiology of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand has expressed serious concern about the sharp increase in cases of dengue fever. According to the latest data, the number of infections recorded as of June 7, 2023, is 500 percent more than last year at the same time. In this regard, Thai authorities have asked tourists to take precautions on vacation.
The country’s worst dengue epidemic in three years has alarmed health officials in Thailand. According to the DDC, the most infections were reported in popular tourist locations: Bangkok, Trat, Nan, Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Mae Hong. In total, 19,503 cases of dengue infection have been detected this year.
The danger of the disease is exacerbated by an increase in the number of deaths. Authorities are aware of 17 deaths so far. Last year, only three deaths from this fever were reported in Thailand over the same period.
Ministry of Health experts have warned that the increase in the incidence of tropical dengue fever will continue during the rainy season – from June to August, and only in September can a decrease in the incidence be expected.
In light of the threat of a dengue epidemic in Thailand, travelers are advised to take precautions such as using mosquito repellant, wearing protective clothing, and visiting places where a reliable insect control system is in place.
Dengue fever (bone-breaking fever) is a dangerous disease caused by a virus that is transmitted through mosquito bites. The incubation period can be up to two weeks, and the disease itself usually resolves in less than a week. Symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding. However, the severe form can develop within hours and require urgent medical attention, including hospitalization. In cases where the infection takes a severe form, bleeding, shock, accompanied by a serious decrease in blood pressure, organ failure, and even death are possible.