The officials spent time talking to shopowners and other members of the public about the disease, including what to do when you think you have it, and how to stop the disease from spreading.
The number of people who have died from dengue fever in Phuket this year currently stands at one – a young Burmese girl – but the number of confirmed cases on the island so far is more than double that of last year.
The PPPHO said there had been 122 confirmed cases of the disease reported this year between January 1 and April 18. In the same period last year, there were 50 reported cases.
The increase has prompted the PPPHO to increase public awareness about the disease. Today’s Thalang Road walk was part of the “3-3-3 Measure” dengue fever health campaign, launched on Wednesday (April 24).
Over the campaign’s three month duration, there will be mosquito repellent available free of charge from all hospitals, clinics and provincial health offices across Phuket.
PPPHO Provincial Chief Medical Officer Dr Buncha Kakhong suggested residents keep a tidy house, with stagnant water areas kept to a minimum, or at least covered up to stop mosquitoes breeding.
“If you have a cold or fever and suspect it might be dengue fever, you should visit the hospital or health clinic. People should also come to pick up the free repellent and use it to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes,” said Dr Buncha.