Over 800 confirmed cases of the potentially deadly dengue fever virus have been reported in the northeastern Thai province of Ubon Ratchathani recently. Thai Health Ministry spokespeople have since revealed the findings and advised citizens on preventative measures and precautions to take in order to minimise the spread.
Dengue fever is transmitted through various species of mosquito, usually causing symptoms including amongst many others; fever, headaches, muscle and joint pains, distinctive retro-orbital pain, and rashes. Although potentially fatal, death from dengue fever is considered uncommon in all but the worst cases. Elderly people are generally more suseptable to the advance ‘fatal’ stages of the disease, known as ‘Dengue Shock Syndrome.’
The common dengue virus is considered endemic in over 100 nations in the world, including Thailand. Thai researchers however, are the most advanced in vaccination trials relating to the disease. Human testing on between 3,000-5,000 patients commenced in Thailand earlier this year.
Dr. Suraporn Loiha of the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Public Health department confirmed 882 people have been diagnosed with the fever, two of whom have died. At present widespread outbreaks have been reported in Nam Yuen, Na Ja Luay, Nam Kun and Buntharik, near the border with Laos.
Reportedly the spread of infections is more serious this year, with over 50/100,000 people being infected. Dr. Loiha advised that a Public Health program to help educate residents and prevent a further spread of the disease is currently underway.
Presently, people have been urged to clean places with stagnant water, mosquito breeding grounds, with larvicide at least twice a week to control the spread of disease.
