Thailand: Dengue fever outbreak continues as of November 26 /update 10

Event

A dengue fever outbreak is ongoing in Thailand as of Tuesday, November 26. According to health officials, at least 136,000 cases have been reported in 2019. Over 110 associated fatalities have also been confirmed. The worst hit provinces include Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Rai, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Rayong.

Further spread of the disease is possible in the coming weeks.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Thailand are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).