Province declares war on dengue

In Pimai district, Tambon Pimai Municipality officials fumigated houses and incubation grounds after continuous rainfall exacerbated the dengue situation.

Provincial health official Dr Wichai Khattiyawittayakul said yesterday the province's 32 districts had seen 192 patients from January 1 until June 24, a ratio of 7.49 per 100,000 population, and one patient had died.

Those aged 10-14 suffered most, and Pak Thongchai district, which borders forest, had the highest number of patients, he said. Physical examinations have been begun.

The Disease Control Department reported that from January 1 to June 27 there had been 17,138 dengue-fever patients nationwide, a ratio of 27.04 per 100,000 population, and 16 deaths. In the past week, the nationwide number of patients increased by 1,550, said Wichai.

Key symptoms are 2-7 days of high fever, headache and muscle pain and red spots on body, arms and legs. Some also suffer nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite. In severe cases patients may enter shock and if not soon treated can die, he added.