Dengue fever victims in Thailand may soar to 120,000 at end-2013

BANGKOK, July 7 (TNA) - The number of dengue fever patients in Thailand is feared to rise to 120,000 this year, as health experts warn the public to clear mosquito breeding grounds during this monsoon season. Director-general of the health ministry’s Disease Control Department Doctor Opas Karnkawinpong said there were over 59,000 dengue fever patients in the country this year, 68 of which had died. But Doctor Opas said his department was trying to keep the number of patients below 100,000 this year. Among other issues, he noted the World Health Organisation had urged for close monitoring of the new ‘SARS-like’ coronavirus, which had reportedly spread from the Middle East. Presently, 77 people had been infected with the virus, up to 43 others died, and there was still no vaccination available. Meanwhile, a travel advisory had already been issued for Haj pilgrims planning to visit the Middle East this year. (TNA)