March 9, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) campaigned against dengue fever as the number of patients kept rising.
There were about 7,000 patients in 2007 and the number rose to 12,443 in 2008 which was the highest number in five years.
In the past, dengue fever often happened with children. However, it now happens with all ages, especially working people aged 35 years up.
The problem often occurred at public parks where the BMA did not get rid of mosquitoes as it should. It could also happen at houses.
The activity “No More Dengue Fever Week” will be held during March 9-15.
Six provinces: Patum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakon, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Nakhon Prathom were invited to participate in the activity.
There were 619 patients between January 1 and February 27, 2009, and nobody died from the disease.
The disease is caused by dengue virus. Symptoms include severe headache, muscle and joint pain, fever, and rash.
2.5 billion people or two-fifths of the world’s population are now at dengue fever risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The disease is currently an epidemic in more than 100 countries.
