Speaking at a press conference at the Phuket Provincial Hall, Dr Sak said, “The dengue fever situation has increased since the beginning of the year. The number of recorded cases from January 1 to May 29 is 11,202 patients nationwide.”
He added, “The illness affects less than 0.05 per cent of the population – netionwide eight patients have died this year. The percentage of people who die without knowing they have contracted dengue fever is 0.01 per cent, while the fatality rate for those diagnosed and who have received treatment but go on to die is 0.07 per cent.”
The PHO said the number of sufferers is going up every year and in every district, especially in Patong. One person has died in Phuket this year from the disease.
As a defensive measure, the PHO is offering five pieces of advice to the people of Phuket.
Cover all water sources in the house; change the water in water tanks every seven days; keep fish indoors so that they eat mosquitoes; and keep your house and living area clean.
Two days after contracting dengue fever, common symptoms include having a high temperature of over 38.5 centigrade, a red face, red neck, headache and eye-ache.
The best thing to do is go to the hospital, not just visit the pharmacy, as soon as possible. Also if you see friends or colleagues exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms above, you should get them tyo hospital.
For more information, visit: www.medicinenet.com/dengue_fever/article.htm