Dengue outbreak hits Thai village with over 100 cases, ranking second nationwide
A severe dengue outbreak has hit Thailand’s northern Nan province, with over 100 cases reported in a single village. Ranking second in Thailand for the highest number of dengue patients, health officials are stepping up efforts to control the spread of the disease.
Dr. Warin Teppitaksak, the provincial public health officer, revealed that the dengue outbreak situation in Nan province is concerning, with Chiang Klang district having the highest number of dengue patients. The outbreak began in the village of Huay Kaeo, with over 100 patients coming from the same area.
Nan province health authorities found that the affected village was located close to a forest, where dried leaves and standing water facilitated mosquito breeding. Further investigations showed the surrounding agricultural areas had rubber trees and bamboo plantations, which also contributed to mosquito breeding due to standing water in areas with rubber leaves and bamboo cuttings.
Chiang Klang Hospital has had to adapt existing facilities to accommodate the increasing numbers of dengue patients while trying to prevent the further spread of the disease by installing mosquito nets for patients.
Health officials have had some delays in disease control due to a change in the administrative structure of several local hospitals. The delay has led to confusion in using budgets, resulting in a less efficient response to the dengue outbreak.
So far, there have been no reported fatalities from dengue in Nan province. From January to 6 June, the total number of dengue patients was 596, with the highest number of cases being 279 in May. Most patients were between 10 and 14 years old and were either farmers or students.
Provincial health officials in Nan are urging the public to take preventive measures against dengue, including protecting themselves from mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in and around homes.
Nan is not the only province with a recent dengue outbreak.
Earlier this week, Trang province‘s public health department urged citizens to be vigilant against dengue fever as outbreaks become more severe, with two deaths and 164 infections reported, mostly among children.
In another recent revelation, the rabies outbreak has claimed 3 lives across 3 provinces in Thailand with urgent vaccination required. Read more HERE.
