Dr Darinda Rosa, Acting Director of the Disease Control Office 11, in a notice issued yesterday (July 24) reported a significant rise in dengue fever cases within Health Region 11, from Jan 1 to July 19.
A total of 5,853 cases have been reported, with the highest infection rates among the 10-14 age group, followed by the 5-9 and 15-19 age groups, Dr Darinda said.
Phuket leads the list of provinces with the highest dengue infection rates per 100,000 population, followed by Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Krabi, Chumphon and Ranong, she added.
Dr Darinda emphasised the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, especially during the rainy season, when stagnant water in containers and various materials can foster the proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquitoes are primary carriers of dengue fever.
Dr Darinda urged the public to follow the "3 Collects, Prevent 3 Diseases" measures:
- Keep your house clean: Improve the environment in your house to be tidy, and do not allow dark corners where mosquitoes can rest.
- Collect garbage around your house: Prevent Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
- Collect water: Close containers with tight lids, change the water in vases every week, and scrub the edges of containers to eliminate Aedes mosquito eggs.
Dr Darinda also advised the public to use mosquito nets, apply mosquito repellent, and take steps to prevent dengue fever, Aedes arthritis and Zika virus infection.
Clinics and pharmacies were asked to cooperate by refraining from administering NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin or combination drugs to suspected dengue patients, as these can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and complicate treatment.
Patients whose symptoms do not improve within two days are urged to visit a hospital. Key symptoms to watch for include high fever, headache, pain in the eyeballs, red face, nausea, vomiting, rash, or bleeding spots on the torso, arms and legs.
People seeking more information about dengue and the public healthcare treatments available were urged to contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.
The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) has not reported any dengue infection rates for the island this year, and has not posted any dengue warning notices since the annual rains returned in May.
One local government report did mark a visit by officials from the Ministry of Public Health Region 11 office, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, to Phuket yesterday.
That report, however, only marked Phuket City Municipality’s efforts to have Phuket Town assessed and declared to be a “Healthy City”.