Bangkok, Aug. 27 – The Department of Disease Control emphasizes urgency to eliminate larvae breeding sites and prevent mosquito bites. Reduce the risk of dengue fever and protect the fetus with a small head from birth from the Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes
Today (August 27, 2023), Dr. Tares Krassanaiwiwong, M.D. The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that during this period it was the rainy season. It rains almost every day Resulting in the rainwater that falls to remain in the container that may have the original mosquito eggs. Or mosquitoes lay new eggs in a container of water that has increased. Resulting in an increase in the number of Aedes mosquitoes that carry diseases such as dengue fever. mosquito joint pain and Zika virus infection which used to have outbreaks in many countries including Thailand for a while and then quietly disappeared But there has been an increase in the number of cases of the disease again this year. Currently, there are 266 cases of Zika virus infection in 24 provinces, with the highest number of cases reported in Chanthaburi (37 cases) and Phetchabun (23 cases) during the last 4 weeks. Zika virus in pregnant women will have a negative effect on the fetus make a small head and have congenital disabilities There is currently no cure. But it can be prevented and diagnosed.
Dr. Taret continued that the best way to prevent these 3 mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent them from being bitten by Aedes mosquitoes, although it is difficult to do as Thailand is located in a tropical climate. The area and climate are suitable for the reproduction of Aedes mosquitoes. Reducing the Aedes aegypti population must be coordinated at the community level. By managing the environment so that mosquitoes do not have a place to lay eggs Aedes mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in clear, stagnant water in different types of water storage containers. including container waste discarded foam box plant pot saucer or large leaf sheaths Mosquitoes do not like dirty, putrid water. It is the mosquito that is closest to us in the area of the house if people encounter such water containers. Notice if there are larvae in there or not. If found, immediately dispose of it and dump it on the soil. Because if left unattended for no more than 7-10 days, those larvae will become adult mosquitoes to bite people. In addition, there are many ways to prevent mosquito bites that people can choose, such as sleeping in mosquito nets, dotting or apply mosquito repellent Install a mosquito net into the house. Including following the advice of the Department of Disease Control, which is "3 prevent 3 diseases" 1. Keep the house clear and free from mosquitoes 2. Keep garbage and scraps of containers from being a breeding ground for mosquitoes and 3. Keep water closed. The container is completely closed to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Or let the fish eat the larvae is another way. It can prevent all 3 diseases, dengue fever. fever, joint pain, mosquito bites and Zika virus infection
Dr. Sopon Iamsirithaworn, M.D. Deputy Director General Department of Disease Control added that Zika virus infection The first case was reported in Uganda in 1947. There was an outbreak in many countries in 2016 when a pregnant woman gave birth to a baby with a small head. and developmental delays, such as the outbreak in Brazil, thousands of newborns with small heads were found As for the situation in Thailand, there were sporadic cases of Zika virus infection about ten years ago. The patient will begin to have fever, red skin rash, headache, conjunctivitis. muscle and head pain Approximately 3-14 days after being bitten by an Aedes mosquito with the Z virus, although most of the symptoms are mild, but there may be severe cases with neurological complications such as GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome). )
The disease has pregnant women a major risk group. due to the Zika virus from a sick mother can be passed on to the fetus And the virus also causes babies to have small heads. (microcephaly) from brain failure birth defect and delayed development Some cases may have complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women with fever, rash, red eyes, and joint pain are suspected to be caused by Zika virus infection. And hurry to see a doctor to request a diagnosis immediately.
Please communicate to the public to help reduce the risk of this disease by preventing mosquito bites together with eliminating adult mosquitoes and destroying mosquito larvae breeding sites. Always be aware of the risks, especially for couples planning to have children, must not neglect to prepare for a hygienic housing to prevent the infestation of mosquitoes. The more pregnant women need to be aware of how to prevent mosquito bites. The Aedes mosquito can be found in all areas across the country. Drink more blood during the day than at night If you pay attention to preventing mosquito bites and regularly observing and eliminating breeding sites, it will be safer. If in doubt, you can ask for more information at the Department of Disease Control hotline, call 1422 .-Thai News Agency.
Source: Thai News Agency