Thailand is currently facing what many experts predict will become a severe dengue fever outbreak, with up to 150,000 infections possible by the end of the year, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).
Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary for public health, said on Monday the number of dengue cases has already surged this year, with over 30,000 cases and 33 deaths recorded so far.
"The ministry is highly concerned about the increasing number of dengue infections. They may reach up to 150,000 cases this year if preventive measures fail," he said.
In the past, infections were mostly found among children, but now the disease has been widely detected among adults and senior citizens, he said.
"People are now travelling more from one place to another place after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. That's why they are more vulnerable to catching the disease.
"We want to raise awareness, and people should urgently visit a doctor if they feel that they are having symptoms related to dengue. With screening and early detection, we can save lives," he said.
He went on to say that the vaccine against dengue fever is very new and needs further study before widespread use can be considered.
The North is the main hotspot for infections, followed by the Central Plains and the South and Northeast. The death rate is 0.11%.
