Dengue fever cases are increasing steadily, affecting not only children but also the elderly population. In the first five months of this year, approximately 18,000 elderly individuals have been diagnosed with the disease, as reported by Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the director-general of the Medical Services Department.
Dr. Thongchai explained that the rise in dengue cases can be attributed to changing weather conditions caused by the El Niño phenomenon. This trend is expected to persist for more than two years. He stressed the importance of conducting research, providing treatment, and implementing preventive measures to control the disease and safeguard lives.
The Disease Control Department reported a total of 18,173 dengue cases during the first five months of the year, with 15 fatalities. Among these cases, 6,088 were in the 5-14 age group, and 4,247 were in the 15-24 age group. The provinces most affected by the disease include Trat, Nan, Chanthaburi, Mae Hong Son, and Rayong.
Dr. Thongchai advised individuals suspecting they may have contracted dengue fever to seek immediate medical attention and refrain from using aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac, as these medications may cause internal bleeding.
In Phichit province, public health volunteers in the Pak Thang sub-district have played a crucial role in maintaining a dengue-free environment in the villages for three consecutive years. Since the major flood in 2011, these volunteers have engaged villagers in a campaign to eliminate mosquito larvae from their households. If any larvae are found in a house, the owner is fined two baht per container. The collected fines contribute to the village development fund.
To indicate households without larvae, a green flag is displayed, while a red flag is used for houses where larvae are found. If larvae are discovered in the houses of health volunteers, they face double fines, while the village head and sub-district chief are fined four times the amount.
