Thailand dengue fever epidemic nears 140,000 cases
The Thailand Public Health Ministry reports that nearly 140,000 cases of dengue fever have been reported in the kingdom so far this year, according to a Bangkok Post report.
Image/CIA
The report goes on to say that as of Nov 6, 139,681 people have fallen ill from dengue fever around the country. The death toll from the mosquito borne viral disease stands at 129.
These numbers are up by approximately 3,000 cases and three fatalities reported just three weeks ago.
Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses. This disease used to be called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there may be 50–100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. However, new research from the University of Oxford and the Wellcome Trust, using cartographic approaches, estimate there to be 390 million dengue infections per year worldwide.
There are three types of dengue fever in order of less severe to most: the typical uncomplicated dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHS) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
There is not a vaccine for dengue fever. There is no treatment for dengue, just treat the symptoms.
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