BANGKOK, May 21 (TNA) – Thailand reported about 20,000 dengue fever cases in almost five months and about 52 per cent of the patients were young students, said Permanent Secretary for Public Health.
Public Health Permanent-Secretary Dr Sukhum Kanchanapimai said that according to the Ministry’s Bureau of Epidemiology, there were 20,733 people, infected with dengue fever and 25 deaths from the mosquito-borne disease were recorded from Jan 1- May 13.
The ministry asked parents and school staff to be on alert in the new school semester as the outbreak could worsen in the rainy season.
Rain brings potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Outdoor containers may collect standing water, he said.
Parents and school staff are advised to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds at homes and schools to prevent dengue, particularly among the most vulnerable group of children. (TNA)