The Public Health Ministry is cautioning the public about the escalating threat of dengue fever and advising individuals to safeguard themselves by utilizing anti-mosquito sprays and lotions.
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew disclosed that, during the most recent meeting of the National Communicable Disease Control Committee, it was revealed that the number of dengue cases this year has surged to 17,783, more than double the figure reported during the same period last year. Tragically, the disease has resulted in the loss of 25 lives across 16 provinces in this year alone.
Cholnan further indicated that he has directed provincial disease control committees to collaborate with health volunteers in identifying potential breeding sites for mosquitoes and treating them with appropriate chemicals. Additionally, he has mandated the frequent application of mosquito-killing substances in community areas.
Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, highlighted the stark comparison of dengue fatalities versus those of influenza and Covid-19. The mortality rate for dengue significantly surpasses that of the other illnesses, with a ratio of 0.14 deaths per 100 cases, in contrast to 0.01-0.02 deaths per 100 influenza patients. He disclosed that the Public Health Ministry has allocated 74.8 million baht for the distribution of anti-mosquito sprays and lotions to dengue patients. He emphasized that if individuals can guard against mosquito bites for just five days, it could potentially save the ministry around 219 million baht on treatment expenses.
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