Ministry of Public Health orders a close watch on dengue fever

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BANGKOK, 14 July 2014 – The Public Health Ministry has assigned all of its offices nationwide to keep a watchful eye on the spread of dengue fever.

Dr. Narong Sahamethaphat, the Permanent-Secretary for Public Health, stated that in 2014, at least 10,000 cases of dengue fever have been reported. Thirteen people have died so far. Most of those who were infected are between 15 and 24 years old.

Therefore, Dr. Narong has ordered public health officials in every province to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds through fumigation in an attempt to contain dengue fever outbreaks.

People are advised to use mosquito repellents, sleep in mosquito nets, and keep their houses clean and tidy to prevent the chances of an infection. Statistically, people have a chance to get dengue fever four times at most throughout their lifetime.

Dengue fever normally has an incubation period of 5-8 days. Initial symptoms from infected patients may include fever, red eyes, headaches, stomach ache, and vomiting. In some cases, patients may experience bleeding under the skin. Patients are advised to immediately see the doctor to prevent the illness from getting worse.