Dr. Saman Futrakul, Director of the Disease Control Office 7 in Khon Kaen Province, reported that from January 1 to June 22, 2024, Thailand recorded 39,216 dengue fever cases. This figure represents a 1.2-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.
In Health Region 7 (comprising Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, and Kalasin provinces), a total of 1,150 cases were reported, including one fatality. The age group most affected by the infection was 10-14 years old. Provinces with high infection rates were identified, with Maha Sarakham Province having the highest rate. Due to the rainy season, dengue fever typically becomes prevalent during this time of year. It is crucial to quickly control the disease if cases are identified and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and larvae to minimize the mosquito population carrying the disease. If the disease is allowed to spread unchecked during the epidemic season, controlling it will become significantly more challenging. The Department of Disease Control has emphasized the importance of the three collection measures: “Keep your house clean, keep water covered, and collect garbage.” In addition to these measures, applying mosquito repellent, which provides up to 6 hours of protection, is also recommended. The “4 Focuses on 4 Months” strategy has been proposed to reduce the number of cases during that period. These focuses include: 1) Intensifying disease surveillance and mosquito vector monitoring by surveying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. 2) Enhancing the response and control of mosquito vectors through collaboration between public health agencies and local administrative organizations to ensure dengue fever control meets quality standards. 3) Prioritizing rapid diagnosis and treatment by utilizing rapid dengue test kits at primary care units for all suspected cases. 4) Emphasizing risk communication by instructing pharmacies and medical service centers to cease dispensing muscle relaxants to patients exhibiting dengue fever symptoms. This is because these medications may irritate the stomach and hinder platelet clotting, potentially increasing bleeding.
It is crucial to remember that dengue fever symptoms include high fever lasting more than two days (fever exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius), loss of appetite, vomiting, absence of a runny nose and cough, and failure of medication to reduce fever within 1-2 days. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention for diagnosis and timely treatment. The most dangerous phase of the disease is when the fever subsides, as this is the period of shock. Failure to receive prompt treatment during this period might lead to fatality. It has been observed that most fatalities occur due to patients seeking medical care too late, specifically during the post-fever, shock phase. Therefore, do not disregard high fever symptoms without a runny nose or cough. Consult a doctor promptly. For any inquiries, the Department of Disease Control hotline, 1422, is available for further information.
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News source: Risk Communication and Health Behavior Development Office, Department of Disease Control / Epidemiology Group, SKR.7, Khon Kaen / STC.7.1, Khon Kaen
Published by: Disease Risk and Health Hazard Communication Group, Disease Control Office 7, Khon Kaen, Tel. 043-222818-9 ext. 601
Dengue Fever Cases Surge in Thailand: Khon Kaen Province Reports Increase and Prevention Measures
The Director of the Disease Control Office 7 in Khon Kaen Province, Dr. Saman Futrakul, has revealed a concerning surge in dengue fever cases across Thailand. From January 1st to June 22nd, 2024, the country reported 39,216 dengue fever patients, marking a 1.2-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Health Region 7, encompassing Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, and Kalasin provinces, recorded 1,150 cases with one fatality. Notably, the age group most affected was 10-14 years old. Maha Sarakham province stands out with a particularly high infection rate.
The Dengue Fever Threat and Rainfall’s Role
The rainy season, coinciding with the usual rise in dengue fever cases, underscores the urgency of proactive disease management. Timely control and elimination of mosquito breeding grounds are crucial. Delaying action during the epidemic season significantly hinders disease control.
Combating Dengue: Strategies for Prevention and Control
Dengue outbreaks demand comprehensive strategies. The Department of Disease Control highlights the importance of following the “Three Collection Measures: Keep your house clean, keep water covered, and collect garbage.”
Beyond the traditional three, adding “apply mosquito repellent” for 6 hours of protection is recommended. The “4 Focuses on 4 Months” measure focuses on:
- Disease Surveillance and Mosquito Vector Control: Regular surveys and destruction of mosquito breeding sites.
- Response and Control: Collaboration between public health agencies and local administrations to meet dengue control standards.
- Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment: Utilizing rapid dengue test kits at primary care units to screen all suspected cases.
- Risk Communication: Advising pharmacies and medical centers to stop dispensing muscle relaxants for suspected dengue patients due to the risk of increased bleeding.
Dengue Fever Symptoms: Recognizing the Warning Signals
Early identification and treatment are critical. Symptoms include:
- High fever for more than 2 days (above 38.5 degrees Celsius)
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Absence of runny nose and cough
If these symptoms persist for 1-2 days despite medication, seeking immediate medical attention is vital.
The Critical “Fever Drop” Period: Why Quick Action is Vital
The period following fever reduction is the most dangerous, as it increases the risk of shock. Delaying treatment during this stage can be fatal.
The Department of Disease Control emphasizes seeking medical assistance promptly, especially when experiencing high fever without a runny nose or cough. The Department’s hotline (1422) is available for further information and inquiries.
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News source: Risk Communication and Health Behavior Development Office, Department of Disease Control / Epidemiology Group, SKR.7, Khon Kaen / STC.7.1, Khon Kaen
Published by: Disease Risk and Health Hazard Communication Group, Disease Control Office 7, Khon Kaen, Tel. 043-222818-9 ext. 601
