Thailand suffered through a heavy dengue fever season in 2015 with more than 140,000 cases and about 140 fatalities and experts predict another big year in 2016 . 

Thrisadee “Por” Sahawong Image/Twitter
Thrisadee “Por” Sahawong
Image/Twitter

In addition to the above reports, the world of Thai entertainment suffered a blow when Thai actor, Thrisadee “Por” Sahawong contracted the mosquito borne virus and went into a coma back in November.

Sadly, today it was reported that the 37-year-old passed away this morning from complications related to dengue fever. Media reports say the TV star was pronounced dead at 11.50am today at Ramathibodi Hospital.

This prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences on Twitter under the hashtag #RIPPor in recent hours.

This tragic news comes just a week after Thailand hosted the Asia Dengue Summit.

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.

People get the dengue virus from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It is not contagious from person to person.

There are three types of dengue fever in order of less severe to most: the typical uncomplicated dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

Symptoms of DHF, which Por suffers, include all the symptoms of classic dengue (very high fever, up to 105°F, severe headache, pain behind the eye, severe joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting and a rash) plus severe damage to the blood vessels. Bleeding from the nose, gums or under the skin are common. This form of dengue can be fatal.

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Robert Herriman is a microbiologist, Editor-in-Chief of Outbreak News Today and host of the talk radio program, Outbreak News This Week 

Follow @bactiman63