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The top public health official in Thailand is predicting a significant increase in dengue fever in 2023, according to local media.

Image/CDC

Director-general of the Disease Control Department, Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong said dengue fever cases are expected to be 3-4 times higher than in 2022 when 45,145 cases and 29 deaths were reported.

In 2023 through January 16, Thai health officials have already reported 986 cases in 59 provinces.

Protection from mosquito bites and eradication of mosquito breeding grounds are effective methods to prevent the diseases, said Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Department, adding that the use of chemicals to eliminate mosquitos is necessary, especially when there is an outbreak of associated diseases, but their use must be properly controlled.

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Dengue fever is common in Southeast Asia, especially during the wet season when the transmission rates are higher. It’s a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes a severe flu-like illness. It causes fever, body aches, headaches, and a skin rash with red spots. In some cases, the viral infection may cause a potentially lethal complication known as severe dengue or Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.