Public Health Ministry Issues Dengue Fever Warning For Thailand

[webfact]

Public Health Ministry issues dengue fever warning

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The Public Health Ministry is warning of a dengue fever outbreak after finding that more than 20,000 people have been hit with the disease over the six months and 13 of them have died.

Elderly people and children aged under one year old are most at risk of dengue fever infection, the ministry's permanent secretary Dr Paijit Warachit said yesterday.

"People who have a high fever, fatigue, stomach ache, vomiting and no interest in food should undergo treatment," Paijit said.

The continued seasonal rainfall this year has increased the number of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus that causes Dengue Haemorrhagic fever.

Of particular concern are children aged less than 12 months and elderly people who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure who may go on to develop severe symptoms after the infection.

According to the Public Health Ministry's records, between January and June this year some 23,324 people have become infected with the dengue virus. Of this number, 13 have succumbed to the disease.

The record also shows that 52 per cent of all dengue fever cases are people aged between 10 and 24 years old.

About 647 cases are children aged under 1 year old while 190 cases are people aged over 65.

Dengue is caused by Aedes Aegypti, a common household mosquito.

"We found that over 80 percent of mortality from dengue fever occurs during July and August, which is the peak season for this disease," Paijit said.

Clinical Professor Siripen Kalayanarooj of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health said the number of cases due to dengue infection has drastically increased among children aged under 1 year old and elderly people during the past few years.

-- The Nation 2011-07-18

[Junglejumbo]

This number is probably only from state hospitals.

[55Jay]

Very good information for the public by the government.

A little disappointed it didn't include a few sentences at the end on measures people can take to prevent it.

Not to be a cynic, or perhaps it was simply the translation of the study by the newspaper and how it was presented.

1. The highlight of the study given does not support or even state a "warning" to the public. Perhaps this was journalistic flair to catch our attention, while the problem itself, IMHO, is fairly common knowledge in Thailand?

2. That the study was done from January to June this year - 6 months.

3. That the study's figures do not apparently support that small children and older people were most at risk.

4. That the most cases cited in the study were of young people 10-24 years old, thus they are seemingly the most at risk based on the data.

5. The study did not include the 2 month period cited as the most concerning due to seasonal rainfall = more mosquitoes.

As mosquitoes are the carriers, this should include information to help reduce the mosquito population such as limiting standing water breeding areas as much as possible. Especially in seasonal rain season.

Acknowledging that is difficult in Thailand, which has much standing water, then additional measures people can prevent being lanced by mosquitoes.

How the government might help by spraying in times we (all) know are high mosquito breeding times, such as the highest rainfall months cited in the study.

Then, the symptoms of infection, which was given in the article, was very good.

[soundman]

This public warning should have been two months ago, however, I don't see that it would change the outcome much.

I managed to get Dengue four weeks ago, terrible virus. Out of the extended family of thirty or so, at least five family members have contracted Dengue in the past six weeks.

[lonewolf99]

Very good information for the public by the government.

A little disappointed it didn't include a few sentences at the end on measures people can take to prevent it.

Not to be a cynic, or perhaps it was simply the translation of the study by the newspaper and how it was presented.

1. The highlight of the study given does not support or even state a "warning" to the public. Perhaps this was journalistic flair to catch our attention, while the problem itself, IMHO, is fairly common knowledge in Thailand?

2. That the study was done from January to June this year - 6 months.

3. That the study's figures do not apparently support that small children and older people were most at risk.

4. That the most cases cited in the study were of young people 10-24 years old, thus they are seemingly the most at risk based on the data.

5. The study did not include the 2 month period cited as the most concerning due to seasonal rainfall = more mosquitoes.

As mosquitoes are the carriers, this should include information to help reduce the mosquito population such as limiting standing water breeding areas as much as possible. Especially in seasonal rain season.

Acknowledging that is difficult in Thailand, which has much standing water, then additional measures people can prevent being lanced by mosquitoes.

How the government might help by spraying in times we (all) know are high mosquito breeding times, such as the highest rainfall months cited in the study.

Then, the symptoms of infection, which was given in the article, was very good.

They could have also told the public to avoid Aspirin...its deadly if you have actually got Dengue also Brufen should be avoided... take Paracetemol

Edited July 18, 2011 by lonewolf99

[kennalder]

"People who have a high fever, fatigue, stomach ache, vomiting and no interest in food should undergo treatment," Paijit said.

Sounds like READY, FIRE, AIM

No testing?

[BrianCR]

This number is probably only from state hospitals.

Hi Jungle Jim

Just to add to your imminence knowledge of the Kingdom; the Thai Department of Health has absolute control of both Government and Private hospitals and both are obligated by law, to supply full details of all outbreaks of infectious and viral diseases including, Dengue fever, HIV, TB and others as demanded. Failure to do so can occur heavy fines and or suspension of operating license. However you can still apply for Viagra without it being reported to the Department of Health. Thank you and good night!

[BrianCR]

Very good information for the public by the government.

A little disappointed it didn't include a few sentences at the end on measures people can take to prevent it.

Not to be a cynic, or perhaps it was simply the translation of the study by the newspaper and how it was presented.

1. The highlight of the study given does not support or even state a "warning" to the public. Perhaps this was journalistic flair to catch our attention, while the problem itself, IMHO, is fairly common knowledge in Thailand?

2. That the study was done from January to June this year - 6 months.

3. That the study's figures do not apparently support that small children and older people were most at risk.

4. That the most cases cited in the study were of young people 10-24 years old, thus they are seemingly the most at risk based on the data.

5. The study did not include the 2 month period cited as the most concerning due to seasonal rainfall = more mosquitoes.

As mosquitoes are the carriers, this should include information to help reduce the mosquito population such as limiting standing water breeding areas as much as possible. Especially in seasonal rain season.

Acknowledging that is difficult in Thailand, which has much standing water, then additional measures people can prevent being lanced by mosquitoes.

How the government might help by spraying in times we (all) know are high mosquito breeding times, such as the highest rainfall months cited in the study.

Then, the symptoms of infection, which was given in the article, was very good.

Could we ask the Department of Immigration to insist that all mosquitoes arriving from Laos or Burma carry a medical certificate, proving they are disease free before being given visas? This would help protect the health of the foreign community

[SICHONSTEVE]

Very good information for the public by the government.

A little disappointed it didn't include a few sentences at the end on measures people can take to prevent it.

Not to be a cynic, or perhaps it was simply the translation of the study by the newspaper and how it was presented.

1. The highlight of the study given does not support or even state a "warning" to the public. Perhaps this was journalistic flair to catch our attention, while the problem itself, IMHO, is fairly common knowledge in Thailand?

2. That the study was done from January to June this year - 6 months.

3. That the study's figures do not apparently support that small children and older people were most at risk.

4. That the most cases cited in the study were of young people 10-24 years old, thus they are seemingly the most at risk based on the data.

5. The study did not include the 2 month period cited as the most concerning due to seasonal rainfall = more mosquitoes.

As mosquitoes are the carriers, this should include information to help reduce the mosquito population such as limiting standing water breeding areas as much as possible. Especially in seasonal rain season.

Acknowledging that is difficult in Thailand, which has much standing water, then additional measures people can prevent being lanced by mosquitoes.

How the government might help by spraying in times we (all) know are high mosquito breeding times, such as the highest rainfall months cited in the study.

Then, the symptoms of infection, which was given in the article, was very good.

We had some health visitors come around to my wife and I's kindergarten school last month looking for standing water that may be act as a breeding ground for mosquitos. I'm not sure whether it was actually related to the dengue fever outbreak or not but they happened to miss the one place that could contain mosquitos even though it is in front of our school office, so a lot of good that was!!!!

[mario299]

Could we ask the Department of Immigration to insist that all mosquitoes arriving from Laos or Burma carry a medical certificate, proving they are disease free before being given visas? This would help protect the health of the foreign community

The mosquitoes that carry dengue fever do not travel more than about 100 meters from their breeding grounds. They do not breed in stagnant water, just still water. They are not the same breed of skeeters that carry malaria, etc, so Immigration probably wouldn't help. Please try to educate yourself before you try to be so funny. Dengue fever ain't no fun!

[webfact]

Dengue widespread, Doctors warn

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

The Public Health Ministry has warned of a dengue-fever outbreak after reports that 20,000 people have been stricken during the past six months, 13 of them fatally.

Elderly people and children aged under one year are most at risk of dengue-fever infection, the ministry's permanent secretary Dr Paijit Warachit warned yesterday.

"People who have a high fever, fatigue or stomach-ache, or vomit or cannot eat, should seek treatment," Paijit said.

The continuing seasonal rainfall this year has increased the number of mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Children below one year and elderly sufferers from chronic ailments - such as diabetes and high blood pressure - may develop severe symptoms after infection but are often unable to tell others of their illness.

According to Public Health Ministry records, from January to June, 23,324 people were infected with the dengue virus. Of this number, 13 succumbed to the disease.

The record also showed that 52 per cent of the total number of dengue cases were aged between 10 and 24 years. About 650 cases were children aged under one year, and 190 cases were aged over 65.

Aedes aegypti, a common species of mosquito, is the leading cause of this disease.

"We found that more than 80 per cent of mortality from dengue fever during July and August, the peak season for the disease, was caused by this common household mosquito," Paijit said.

Clinical Professor Siripen Kalayanarooj of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health said the number of dengue infections had drastically increased among babies and the elderly in recent years.

"The dengue fever virus strikes children easily, as they have a low level of immunity against it," she said, even though they get some immunity from their mothers.

She said severe symptoms and mortality from dengue fever among elderly people, especially those who have congenital disease, were usually the result of a secondary infection.

She suggested that people who develop high fever for more than two days should undergo immediate diagnosis and treatment at hospital.

Aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended to reduce fever or to treat the illness, as these two drugs could cause bleeding in the stomach, leading to death.

-- The Nation 2011-07-19

[soundman]

"People who have a high fever, fatigue, stomach ache, vomiting and no interest in food should undergo treatment," Paijit said.

I just re-read this and want to point out that it is slightly deceiving information. There is no treatment for the Dengue virus itself.

Aspirin, alcohol and any "blood thinning" agents should be avoided like the plague as the Dengue virus is allready turning your blood to water.

Paracetamol for headache, lower back ache and general body weariness. Lots and lots of fluids, and electrolytes. That's it - no anti-biotics or other medicines do anything to get rid of the virus.

If you suspect you have Dengue - you should see a doctor and get your platelet count tested. If the count is too low, hemorrhagic symptoms are a real possibility, and your life is in danger.

[KKK]

This public warning should have been two months ago, however, I don't see that it would change the outcome much.

I managed to get Dengue four weeks ago, terrible virus. Out of the extended family of thirty or so, at least five family members have contracted Dengue in the past six weeks.

Warning was given in April

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/462738-thai-health-agency-warns-of-outbreak-of-dengue-fever/page__hl__dengue

[KKK]

And just what are the government doing about it? We need prevention NOT warning. I've not seen spraying carried out in my area (off South Pattaya Road) for years.

These warnings are just arse covering and a poor excuse for inaction.

[soundman]

This public warning should have been two months ago, however, I don't see that it would change the outcome much.

I managed to get Dengue four weeks ago, terrible virus. Out of the extended family of thirty or so, at least five family members have contracted Dengue in the past six weeks.

Warning was given in April

http://www.thaivisa....age__hl__dengue

Oh my bad, the onset of dementia I think.

...............................

My brother in law's wife works in a public hospital, this attached picture is a queue card for blood tests taken this morning.

[erobando]

More than spraying, I think people need to be taught how to minimize contact with mosquitoes.

As mentioned earlier, don't leave basins of still water... If not sleeping in a room that is air conditioned or screened in, then use a mosquito net. Use cream with DEET when in places likely to have mosquitoes... things like that.

I've seen countless instances in which people here are in a screened in room but then take out the screen because they think it will be cooler... and in come the mosquitoes!

[animatic]

This public warning should have been two months ago, however, I don't see that it would change the outcome much.

I managed to get Dengue four weeks ago, terrible virus. Out of the extended family of thirty or so, at least five family members have contracted Dengue in the past six weeks.

6 months, 20,000+ infected,13 dead,

Sounds more like an epidemic that was ignored for far too long.

3 months with 10,000 would have been enough to get me to announce a warning.

And yes proper instructions to avoid it would have been very appropriate to post with it. Thanks to those that did. I've had Dengue and you wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Edited July 19, 2011 by animatic

[Gary A]

"People who have a high fever, fatigue, stomach ache, vomiting and no interest in food should undergo treatment," Paijit said.

I just re-read this and want to point out that it is slightly deceiving information. There is no treatment for the Dengue virus itself.

Aspirin, alcohol and any "blood thinning" agents should be avoided like the plague as the Dengue virus is allready turning your blood to water.

Paracetamol for headache, lower back ache and general body weariness. Lots and lots of fluids, and electrolytes. That's it - no anti-biotics or other medicines do anything to get rid of the virus.

If you suspect you have Dengue - you should see a doctor and get your platelet count tested. If the count is too low, hemorrhagic symptoms are a real possibility, and your life is in danger.

I too have had this miserable disease. My biggest misery came from headache and joint pain. I had no stomach ache or vomiting.

I was eating aspirin like candy. When I finally went to the hospital the doctor told me that I obviously had no internal problems because if I did, I would certainly have bled to death. The doctor's first hint as to my condition was that the puncture from drawing blood would not stop bleeding. The doctor told me that the worst possible thing I could have done was to take aspirin.

After three days my blood count started to improve and the day after that, I was released. I was weak for several weeks after that. It is a serious condition and not to be taken lightly.

The saddest thing I learned is that I developed absolutely no immunity and could easily contract it again.

[lungmi]

More than spraying, I think people need to be taught how to minimize contact with mosquitoes.

As mentioned earlier, don't leave basins of still water... If not sleeping in a room that is air conditioned or screened in, then use a mosquito net. Use cream with DEET when in places likely to have mosquitoes... things like that.

I've seen countless instances in which people here are in a screened in room but then take out the screen because they think it will be cooler... and in come the mosquitoes!

Basins of still water are the hatcheries for this kind of mosquito.

I was astonished that my wife never closed in toilet and bathroom the water supplies 100%.

Dropping a little bit, there is no still water bassin. It's common use in my area and the local Health Stations have no significant cases of dengue feaver.

[lungmi]

I too have had this miserable disease. My biggest misery came from headache and joint pain. I had no stomach ache or vomiting.

I was eating aspirin like candy. When I finally went to the hospital the doctor told me that I obviously had no internal problems because if I did, I would certainly have bled to death. The doctor's first hint as to my condition was that the puncture from drawing blood would not stop bleeding. The doctor told me that the worst possible thing I could have done was to take aspirin.

After three days my blood count started to improve and the day after that, I was released. I was weak for several weeks after that. It is a serious condition and not to be taken lightly.

The saddest thing I learned is that I developed absolutely no immunity and could easily contract it again.

Right, you only can reinforce your general immunity by drinking clean and revitalized water.

In Thailand exists special water filters (NSF approved , ceramic , silver activated carbon, mineral sand and stone, ion exchange resin)

18 years ago I came with Katadyn filters (Switzerland, wordlwide the number 1 for waterfilters at this time) to Thailand and used it in a refugee camp for Burmese, successfully the Headman told me later.

Reversal Osmosis and UV water is medically clean, but biological dead (no good support for the metabolism.

Edited July 19, 2011 by soundman
Fixed quote tags.

[animatic]

There are two known strains of Dengue one is a hemoragic version and hence the no aspirin warning, this one is like Ebola light, you may bleed from eye and orifices and in your stools, but this one is less common. The most common one is not hemoragic,

but certainly screws your system up big time.

Ibuprofin and Paracetimol didn't cause problems for me, but I avoided aspirin for sure.

Drink as much water as you can hold.

There is a non- typical therapy for this, that worked for me,

but would cause nothing but a TVF cluster-<deleted>> if I mentioned it here.

Best thing is to avoid it if posible.

No stagnant water near by, spray surfaces and screens with anti-mosquito spray,

wear bug spray in the woods and stay covered in the woods.

Edited July 19, 2011 by animatic

[TheWizardofRnR]

I got bit 10 days ago had a high fever, drank lots of cold water and alternated paracetamol,asprin(read later about bleeding from it) but ibuprofern was recommended as ok to take. I didn't know what I had til a friend told me

that the rash I had was possibly dengue, so went on-line and saw the pix of the rash. My wife treated my rash and leg swelling by cutting Aloevera gel out of cuttings ,placed in fridge for a hour then laid stips on rash and swelling, my legs were extremely hot , the aloe helped it really is a great medicinal plant, it helped cool my leg down.After 3rd day fever broke and I still felt a bit blah for last week.

I heard 14 days or longer, it can last.I hope they spray ,I got bit in my home in bed in Patong. We don't need anymore bad <deleted> happening, adding to the slow tourism!

[JohnAllan]

The worst I have ever felt; like flu times five.

I am told by a doctor, that I - and my youngest son - could get it again, within the next ten to twenty years, and even worse. Upside to that is, we will then - apparently - be immune.

But beneath our apartment is a community of lean-tos, right on a stagnant section of klong. It would be helpful were the BMA to start citywide checks, and spraying of all suspect locations.

[JohnAllan]

I got bit 10 days ago had a high fever, drank lots of cold water and alternated paracetamol,asprin(read later about bleeding from it) but ibuprofern was recommended as ok to take. I didn't know what I had til a friend told me

that the rash I had was possibly dengue, so went on-line and saw the pix of the rash. My wife treated my rash and leg swelling by cutting Aloevera gel out of cuttings ,placed in fridge for a hour then laid stips on rash and swelling, my legs were extremely hot , the aloe helped it really is a great medicinal plant, it helped cool my leg down.After 3rd day fever broke and I still felt a bit blah for last week.

I heard 14 days or longer, it can last.I hope they spray ,I got bit in my home in bed in Patong. We don't need anymore bad <deleted> happening, adding to the slow tourism!

Fourteen days is short. It can last weeks; even months, in worst-case scenarios.

[lungmi]

I got bit 10 days ago had a high fever, drank lots of cold water and alternated paracetamol,asprin(read later about bleeding from it) but ibuprofern was recommended as ok to take. I didn't know what I had til a friend told me

that the rash I had was possibly dengue, so went on-line and saw the pix of the rash. My wife treated my rash and leg swelling by cutting Aloevera gel out of cuttings ,placed in fridge for a hour then laid stips on rash and swelling, my legs were extremely hot , the aloe helped it really is a great medicinal plant, it helped cool my leg down.After 3rd day fever broke and I still felt a bit blah for last week.

I heard 14 days or longer, it can last.I hope they spray ,I got bit in my home in bed in Patong. We don't need anymore bad <deleted> happening, adding to the slow tourism!

Aloevera is a good medecine.

Vegetable juice on the basic of aloevera is a good basic protection for the immune system. In Thailand you have good vegetable juice, expensive but working.

I use aloevera plants against gastritis in my treatment (mountain area, no doctor, only a farang in a Buddhist Wat).

Edited July 19, 2011 by lungmi

[soundman]

Some links to sites explaining Dengue.

http://www.medicinenet.com/dengue_fever/article.htm

http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/dengue-fever-1