The DDC in Thailand warns that the dengue season is coming again
The Department of Disease Control, DDC is warning that the seasonal outbreak of dengue could be more severe than usual this year, following three early deaths in 2022 – already half the number for all of 2021.
“Every year, the incidence of dengue, along with other diseases such as diarrhea and heat stroke, rises sharply as summer approaches,” said Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Director General of the DDC, the day before yesterday.
“Last year only six people died from dengue, while this year three deaths from dengue have been reported in just the first three months,” he said.
These deaths were all among patients recovering from or actively being treated for, Covid19, he said.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were found to be a contributing factor in the severity of mosquito-borne disease in the deaths, he said.
As a result, those who develop a high fever and other flu-like symptoms are advised not to take NSAIDs and instead take acetaminophen, he said.
While most patients who contract dengue are children and adolescents, most dengue-related deaths occur among the elderly, those with chronic illness and obesity, he said.
Getting rid of sources of mosquitoes, including bins
using standing water is one of the most effective ways people can reduce the number of mosquitoes in their habitats and reduce the incidence of the disease from mosquito bites, he said.
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