Thailand: Dengue fever outbreak continues nationwide /update 9

Event

A nationwide dengue fever outbreak is ongoing in Thailand. A total of 1679 cases, including one associated death, have been reported in 70 of the country's 76 provinces as of late January. The most affected areas include Nakornpathom, Phichit, Nakornsawan, Nakornsrithamarat, and Nakornnayok provinces. Officials have advised people to take precautions against mosquitoes and to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Thailand are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).