Thailand launches nationwide campaign against dengue fever

Source: CCTV.com | 07-23-2007 10:16

Thailand has launched a nationwide campaign against dengue fever. The program comes in the wake of a severe outbreak in many parts of the country, which has infected almost 26 thousand people and killed at least 22.

The deadly disease spreads quickly in the rainy seasons, usually from May to August. This year, however, the first patient was found in January.

In response, the Thai government launched a campaign to prevent the possible outbreak of an epidemic.

As part of the crackdown, health officials are using a pesticide spray to kill mosquitos, and pouring a special chemical into water to exterminate their larvae.

Officials say if patients came down with dengue fever, the houses in a radius of 100 meters of where they live would be sprayed to get rid of the disease.

Global warming has been blamed for the suddenly increased number of mosquitos this year.

Thawat Suntrajarn, director Thailand's Disease Control Department, said, "Global warming increases the amount of water, and the mosquitos can lay more eggs. As a result, there will be more mosquitos and more tropical diseases. And with more mosquitos carrying the dengue disease, there will be more patients."

Most of the victims of dengue fever in Thailand this year have been children. The disease is characterized by high fever, rashes, headaches, and severe muscle and joint pain. Patients must be monitored in hospital for a few days until their temperature returns to normal.

Editor:Du Xiaodan