Thailand Medical Experts Warn Of A Dengue Crisis As Almost 8,200 Cases And 13 Deaths Reported In January 2024!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 11, 2024 9 months, 1 week, 3 days, 11 hours, 10 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: Thailand is currently facing a severe health crisis as dengue fever cases soar, with the Disease Control Department (DCD) of Thailand sounding the alarm about the escalating situation. In January 2024 alone, the country witnessed an alarming surge, with 8,197 confirmed cases and 13 reported deaths due to the mosquito-borne viral infection. This marks a staggering 91.25% increase from the same period in 2023 when 4,286 individuals were infected. The gravity of the situation calls for immediate attention and collective efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Dengue Crisis In Thailand As Almost 8,200 Cases And 13 Deaths
Reported In January 2024!
Many local
Thailand Medical experts are also calling for government authorities to take more stringent measures to help curtail the dengue crisis in the country including eradication of mosquito breeding sites.
Rising Dengue Cases and Warning from Authorities
Dr Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, the Director-General of the DCD, issued a stern warning, urging the public to take proactive measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The dengue virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a significant threat in tropical and subtropical climates, and its rapid spread in Thailand has raised serious concerns.
Children between the ages of five and 14 are particularly vulnerable, constituting a majority of the reported cases. The southern and central provinces of the country have been identified as hotspots for dengue fever, necessitating increased vigilance in these regions. Hospitals treating dengue patients have been instructed to distribute anti-mosquito cream or spray to protect other patients from the virus.
Tourists Affected and International Concerns
The dengue crisis in Thailand has not spared tourists, with some visitors contracting the disease during their stay. Local authorities are expressing deep concern about the situation, emphasizing the urgency of protecting oneself from mosquito bites and seeking medical attention if symptoms manifest.
One unfortunate case involves a foreign tourist who, after being bitten by a mosquito, faced significant hardship. Admitted to a Thai hospital, the individual's family grappled with high medical bills, underscoring the severity of the situation for both locals and visitors.
Multiple Mosquito-Borne Threats
In addition to dengue fever, Thailand is grappling with other mosquito-borne threats, including the Zika virus. The public health department has issued warnings to pregnant women in specific areas, urging them to take urgent precautions due to reported Zika cases.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-experts-warn-that-zika-virus-continues-to-be-a-threat-especially-in-north-eastern-regions
International Attention: Danish Actor Hospitalized with Dengue Fever
The global nature of the issue is highlighted by the recent hospitalization of Danish actors Anna Stokholm and Simon Stenspil during their vacation in Thailand. Stenspil, having recovered from the flu, was diagnosed with dengue fever and is currently hospitalized for observation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by individuals in tropical regions and the need for heightened awareness.
https://scandasia.com/danish-actor-hospitalized-with-dengue-fever-in-thailand/
Pandemic Alert and Urgent Response
The DCD's declaration of a pandemic alert emphasizes the gravity of the situation. With over 8,000 reported cases in January alone and many more suspected cases still under investigations, immediate and coordinated efforts are required to curb the spread of dengue fever. Already data for the first week of February 2024 also shows that the dengue cases are still rising at a worrisome rate. Dr Keeratihuttayakorn stressed the importance of the communities making efforts to eradicate sites of mosquito breeding and for hospitals to distribute mosquito repellents to protect other patients and urged communities to remain vigilant, seeking prompt medical attention for individuals exhibiting symptoms.
Conclusion
Thailand is currently grappling with a dengue fever crisis, with a significant surge in cases and fatalities in January 2024. The urgency of the situation demands collective action, with authorities issuing warnings, implementing preventive measures, and emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention. The impact on both locals and tourists underscores the severity of the issue, urging governments and communities to work together to mitigate the spread of this mosquito-borne viral infection.
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