The Department of Disease Control of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has raised alarm bells over the alarming rise in dengue cases in the Asian country. Apparently, between January and November of this year, more than 120,000 cases were registered, which represents a triple increase compared to the same period last year.
The Thai Administration urges relevant agencies and the general public to remain vigilant and help eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Efforts are focused on places with high rates of Aedes larvae, such as temples, schools and factories. The acting director general of the Department of Control, Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, highlighted the seriousness of the communicable viral disease, which can be infected up to four times thanks to its four strains, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Likewise, specialists warn that infection gives immunity, but only against each type. Those who suffer from one type can become infected with a different strain and suffer more consequences due to the strong immune response.
To prevent the feared spread of this epidemic, the Thai Ministry of Public Health has introduced a strategy that includes improving exposure to sunlight in and around homes, avoiding stagnant water and using mosquito repellents. . On the other hand, they advise against the use of certain drugs that increase the risk of bleeding in those affected.
Dengue spread to 130 countries and increased by 8 between 2000 and 2022
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Dengue is now endemic in most Latin American countries, but epidemics are spreading to new areas of the world, and the number of cases has increased this year. Scientists have confirmed that global warming not only causes many countries and regions in temperate and cold zones to enter the range of transmission of mosquitoes, but also increases the rate of reproduction and infections.
In late September, Bangladeshi authorities and Sudanese doctors warned that hundreds of people had died and that health services were under pressure. In addition, other territories are on alert, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Jamaica, Peru, Sri Lanka and in this case Thailand. Dengue is an infectious tropical disease caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrollable bleeding), shock (severely low blood pressure), organ failure, and even death.
This condition has spread to 130 countries, and can cause high fever, body aches, nausea and skin rashes. There is no specific treatment or known cure. According to the World Health Organization, dengue has increased in recent decades worldwide, increasing eightfold between 2000 and 2022, and more than half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting it. Moreover, this number is expected to increase.
There are currently 2 types of vaccines that can prevent all types of dengue virus in Thailand. One is for people who have been infected before, and can be administered to people between 6 and 45 years of age. In cases where there is no history confirming the infection, a blood test is required before vaccination, and 3 doses in total are required. Another one is for people who have not been infected before, for between 4 and 60 years of age and 2 doses are needed, each separated by 3 months.
