Thailand reports nearly 130,000 dengue cases

The number of dengue fever cases have grown by some 6,000 in the past week, putting the total cases near 130,000 year-to-date, according to Thailand health officials. Between the beginning of the year and Dec. 8, health officials report a total of 129,040 cases from all 77 provinces.

In addition, the number of dengue-related fatalities increased by nine in the past week, bringing the total to 125.

The top five provinces with the highest morbidity rate include Rayong (551.46 / 100,000 population.) Rachaburi (486.75 / 100,000 population.) Petchburi (470.06 / 100,000 population.) Uthaithani (458.54 / 100,000 population.) and Chanthaburi (401.63 / 100,000 population.).

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. It occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Among the estimated 2.5 billion people at risk globally, more than 70% reside in Asia Pacific countries, according to the World Health Organization.

Severe dengue (fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding) is a potentially lethal complication, affecting mainly children. Early clinical diagnosis and careful clinical management increase the survival of patients.

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