Thailand is experiencing a concerning increase in dengue fever cases this year, with over 19,000 infections reported, marking the highest number in three years, according to government officials.
The dengue virus has killed at least 15 individuals across the country since January, and the infection rate is 4.2 times higher than last year, stated deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul on Monday.
On average, around 900 infections and one death were recorded each week, with most dengue cases found in the capital of Bangkok and five other provinces, according to Traisuree.
She noted that the public health ministry expects to see more dengue patients during the rainy season between June and August before the number of cases starts to decline in September.
The ministry’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported a total of 19,503 dengue cases as of last week in the Southeast Asian country, with most infections occurring among children aged between 5 and 14.
Anyone who suspects they may be infected should seek medical attention and avoid taking over-the-counter treatments, said DDC director-general Thares Krasanairawiwong.
To curb the spread of this mosquito-borne disease, the agency urges the public to keep their communities clean and help eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
