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Published on July 17, 2007

Director-general Dr Thawat Suntrajarn predicted deadly dengue fever would spread further throughout Thailand and its neighbours Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia.

This was because of an early wet season, he said.

"Because the climate has changed and the rains have come early this year the conditions are perfect for the spread of disease.

"It is easier for children to contract diseases like dengue and this is the reason the number of patients has increased. We expect the numbers to continue growing," Thawat said.

There have been more than 1,100 cases of hand, mouth and foot disease so far this year. No fatalities have been reported.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation