The Thailand dengue fever situation in 2023 continues to raise concerns with the Department of Disease Control (DDC) releasing a recent update on the situation. As of June 7th, a total of 19,503 cases have been reported, marking an increase of 475% compared to the same period in 2022 where 3,386 cases were recorded. Officials highlight that Dengue Fever has reached its highest levels in the past three years and is particularly concerning in the provinces of Bangkok, Trat, Nan, Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Mae Hong Son. The Ministry of Health predicts that the trend will continue on through rainy season before gradually declining in September. For those that don’t know, dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites. The incubation period can last up to two weeks, and the illness typically resolves itself within a week. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, as well as minor bleeding. Severe cases of dengue may lead to complications such as uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage), severe low blood pressure (shock), and organ failure.

Our Take

I wonder WHY there has been a five fold increase in dengue fever? I looked online to get a better idea on the situation in Thailand specifically, but wasn’t able find much. I wish this is something that the source article highlighted instead of leaving us all guessing?