Thai North, Northeast on alert against dengue fever

BANGKOK, April 27 (TNA) - Public health officials in Thailand’s northern and northeastern regions have been on alert against dengue fever outbreaks. Dr. Wiwat Kowiriyakamol, chief of provincial health office in Thailand's northeastern Loei province, acknowledged on Friday that the number of dengue fever patients in his province has reached 501 so far this year, with two deaths confirmed in Mueang and Tali districts. Dr. Wiwat said that Loei has recorded the highest number of dengue fever patients in the Thai Northeast, but has been ranked the fifth with most dengue fever patients in the country; so, locals have been urgently educated on the prevention of the deadly virus in order to stop its outbreaks, as dengue fever at its severe state can lead to serious illness and death. Health volunteers in Lamphun province in the Thai North have, on the other hand, started eliminating the common house mosquitoes, the carriers of the deadly disease, in areas at risk to prevent and contain outbreaks of the disease, after the local situation has become the worst in 10 years. As of now, Lamphun has recorded 138 dengue fever patients, with the death of a 12 year-oil child. Mueang and Pa Sang districts have recorded the highest number of confirmed dengue fever patients at 113. (TNA)