Bangkok now struggling with surge in dengue patients
In addition to a surge in Covid-19 patients, Bangkok has reported an unprecedented number of dengue patients between January 3 and July 3 this year, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said recently.
So far, 1,043 dengue patients have been found in the capital, with 10 districts reporting nearly half the number, namely Bang Khun Thian, Chom Thong, Bang Khae, Yan Nawa, Din Daeng, Thon Buri, Suan Luang, Lat Krabang, Lat Phrao and Bang Na.
The number of dengue patients nationwide stands at 9,878, with four deaths so far. In addition to Bangkok, the other provinces with the highest infection rates include Ranong, Nakhon Pathom, Mae Hong Son, and Rayong.
DDC had earlier launched an anti-dengue campaign in Bangkok, urging residents to keep their homes and nearby areas clean and eliminate stagnant water sources.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease and usually takes five to eight days to incubate in humans.
The initial symptoms of dengue fever are like those of Covid-19, such as high fever, but other conditions differ.
They are:
• High fever, at least 38.5 or up to 40-41° C
• Seizures especially in children with a history of this disease
• Skin rash
• Scurvy
• Red spots on the arm, leg, and body
In comparison, the symptoms of Covid-19 are:
• High fever, at least 37.5 C
• Cough with phlegm and sore throat for four days
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Pneumonia
Patients with any of these symptoms are advised to visit the doctor immediately.