Over 12,000 infected with dengue fever

(KPL) Some 12,109 have been infected with dengue fever until August 14, said Director of the Laboratory and Epidemiology Centre, Dr. Phengta Vongphachanh.

The number of this year’s dengue fever patients almost doubles those recorded in last year, according to Dr. Phengta.

The official said last week that this year’s outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease was very severe and the disease had already killed 36 people across the country.

She said that the disease outbreak was escalating at the moment and said that preventive measures against the disease should be heeded.

"Dengue fever, at present, is spreading very fast because of erratic weather which changes unpredictably. Sometimes it rains and sometimes shines. This is favourable for mosquito breeding," said the official.

"Normally, in rainy season, it is common to see dengue fever outbreak but this year sees a difference as the disease outbreak began early in April and in large scale," the doctor said.

Last year, some 7,810 people were infected with dengue fever. The figure is much below 12,109 recorded so far this year.

"If you got fever, don’t buy medicine to take by yourself but you have to see doctor or get a check at hospital. This is to avoid any casualty," advised Dr. Phengta.

"Always keep your house cleaned, destroy broken jars, tins and any containers where mosquito can lay eggs and sleep under mosquito net and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," added the official.

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