While Thailand has seen in excess of 50,000 dengue fever cases this year, another virus transmitted by the vector, Aedes aegypti has affected nearly 700 people in the Kingdom, according to a Straits Times report today.

Image/banclinicitzeer
Image/banclinicitzeer

With the addition of 33 Zika cases reported in the past week, the country’s total has surpassed 680 cases since the beginning of the year.

The country is experiencing a lot of travel since national mourning over the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej last month prompting Thai health officials to step up health campaigns against the mosquito borne virus.

Elsewhere in southeast Asia, the Philippines and Vietnam have reported additional cases in recent days.

Zika virus disease is primarily transmitted via mosquito bites. The Aedes aegypti is responsible for spreading Zika virus and also dengue and chikungunya viruses. In Brazil and other countries, pregnant women who got infected at anytime during their pregnancy have increased risk of giving birth to babies with congenital defects affecting the brain (microcephaly). Sexual transmission was also reported as another means of getting the Zika virus.

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