Thailand reports big increases in dengue in 2023
Officials with the Thailand Bureau of Epidemiology have reported a large increase in dengue cases and deaths in 2023.
Year to date, health officials have reported 119,465 total dengue cases (90,893 cases of dengue fever; 27,557 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever and 1,015 cases of dengue shock syndrome).
The total reported this year through October 21 is a major increase in cases compared to the total for all of 2022 when 48,679 cases were reported.
In addition, dengue deaths this year are also much higher. To date, 122 dengue deaths have been reported in Thailand. This compares to the 32 deaths reported in all of 2022.
Provinces or cities reporting the most cases this year include Bangkok (8,202 cases/6 deaths), Chiang Rai (6,689/0), Chiang Mai (6,511/7), Songkhla (5,473/5) and Chon Buri (4,855/6).
Over the summer, The Thailand Ministry of Public Health warned alerted the public that the number of dengue fever cases in the country this year could be the highest in three years, with up to 150,000 infections possible by years end.
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Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. The disease can take up to 2 weeks to develop with illness generally lasting less than a week.
Health effects from dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding.
Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization.
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In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and death.