Thailand dengue cases hit 21,620, death toll reaches 31 in 2026
Thailand has recorded 21,620 dengue cases and 31 deaths this year, with infections continuing to rise during the seasonal outbreak period, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported today, August 26.
Dr Anek Mungaomklang, deputy director-general of the DDC under the Ministry of Public Health, said the figures cover January 1 to August 19. Although case numbers remain below last year’s level and the forecast for 2026, the upward trend is continuing during the dengue season.
Bangkok has recorded 1,785 cases and four deaths, according to data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Health Department.
Anek said areas where multiple dengue cases are detected require continued monitoring and disease-control measures. These include tracking patients, investigating infections, identifying additional cases and controlling both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.
He also called for residents to help eliminate breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue.
Dr Pongtorn Chartpituck, director of the Institute for Urban Disease Control and Prevention under the DDC, said officials recently carried out disease investigation and control work with Bangkok health agencies in Bang Kapi district.
Teams identified accumulated rubbish and stagnant water as important environmental risk factors because they provide breeding and resting areas for Aedes mosquitoes.
Officials and residents have been removing rubbish and standing water beneath homes and improving surrounding areas to reduce potential mosquito habitats. Measures have also included setting up active screening points and checking schoolchildren for symptoms.
Community meetings have been held to raise awareness and encourage residents to participate in dengue prevention. The DDC has also provided mosquito repellent, chemicals for fogging and mosquito coils to support local control efforts.
Pongtorn said Aedes mosquitoes commonly lay eggs in containers holding stagnant water, including household water containers, discarded containers, jar lids, plant-pot saucers, ant traps, table-leg containers and rubbish.
Residents are being encouraged to follow the DDC’s three-step approach by clearing rubbish and containers that collect water, keeping homes clean to reduce places where mosquitoes can rest, and keeping drinking and household water properly covered.
People should also protect themselves against mosquito bites by using repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets. The DDC said these measures can help prevent dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus infection.
Pongtorn urged people to watch for a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius lasting more than two days, particularly when accompanied by headache, pain behind the eyes, facial redness, thirst or small bleeding spots beneath the skin on the arms, legs or torso.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek hospital treatment promptly rather than buying medication to treat themselves, he said.
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