Dengue fever deaths in Krabi

Posted by admin on October 3rd, 2010 filed in Uncategorized

As dengue fever claimed two more lives in Krabi, the World Health Organisation has strongly advised Thailand to step up its efforts to limit this year’s rampant outbreak of the disease.

These recent deaths raised the number of deaths caused by the mosquito-borne disease to four in Krabi, and a total of seven in the south. While Phuket has suffered a massive outbreak this year, the disease has not caused any deaths on the island.

WHO Southeast Asia regional director Samlee Pianbangchang explained, “High-end treatment can save patients’ lives from dengue but cannot tackle the outbreak itself as long as the public health intervention essential for controlling the vector is still weak”.

Dengue has affected a large percentage of the country, with Krabi, Pattani, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Phatthalung, Satun, Chanthaburi, Phitsanulok and Tak being among the hardest hit provinces.

Chok Chai School in the Neua Klong district of Krabi recently sent students home early in order to spray for mosquitoes.

However, at the 28th Meeting of Ministers of Health and the 63rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Southeast Asia last week, Mr Samlee pointed out that spraying chemicals alone will not eradicate the problem.

He stressed the importance of health authorities working with local communities to raise awareness of the seriousness of the disease and how to eliminate mosquito breeding areas from their homes.