Phuket leads in dengue crisis: Kids worst hit in southern Thailand

Phuket has emerged as the hotspot for dengue fever in upper southern Thailand, with the highest infection rates among seven provinces, according to the Department of Disease Control’s regional office.

Dr Darinda Rosa, acting Director of Health Region 11’s Disease Control Office, highlighted a significant surge in dengue cases from January 1 to yesterday, totalling 5,853. Children aged 10-14 are the worst affected, followed closely by those aged 5-9 and 15-19.

The spike in cases prompted urgent calls to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds, crucial during the rainy season. Dr Darinda emphasised the importance of eliminating stagnant water in containers and other materials, which provide ideal breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes, the primary carriers of dengue fever.

“It is crucial for the public to adhere to the ‘3 Collects, Prevent 3 Diseases’ measures.”

Additionally, Dr Darinda recommended the public use mosquito nets, apply mosquito repellent, and take other precautions to prevent dengue fever, Aedes arthritis, and Zika virus infections.

Clinics and pharmacies have been asked to avoid administering NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, or combination drugs to suspected dengue patients, as these medications can induce gastrointestinal bleeding and complicate treatment.

Patients whose symptoms do not improve within two days are urged to visit a hospital. Key symptoms to watch for include high fever, headache, pain in the eyeballs, red face, nausea, vomiting, rash, or bleeding spots on the torso, arms, and legs.

For more information about dengue and available public healthcare treatments, individuals are encouraged to contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

So far this year, the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) has not reported any dengue infection rates for the island, nor has it issued any dengue warning notices since the rainy season began in May.

A separate local government report noted a visit by officials from the Ministry of Public Health Region 11 office, based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, to Phuket yesterday. This visit, however, focused on Phuket City Municipality’s efforts to have Phuket Town assessed and declared a Healthy City.