Dear ISB Community,
It has come to our attention that two members of a household in our community have been diagnosed with Dengue Fever. In an effort to continue to keep our community safe and healthy we have included a short summary of Dengue Fever below with current information from the Ministry of Health, Thailand as well as from the Centers for Disease Control (USA). If parents have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us at the ISB Health Clinic.
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever is a virus disease transmitted via the Aedes mosquito (common after sunrise and sunset). Mild to severe symptoms can occur. Typically Dengue results in high fever, chills, rash, and malaise for the individual infected. Other symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting and aches and pains (pain behind the eye). Typically, the disease is transmitted when an infected mosquito passes along the virus by biting another individual. The best preventative measure is the use of protective clothing and insect repellant. It is important to clear areas of stagnant water and exposed areas of the skin to be protected with mosquito repellant.
Dengue in Thailand
Thailand is known to have continuous and frequent infections. Typically Dengue cases begin to rise after the Songran holiday in April and peak around July. The season usually reaches its trough around the end of October. This year, 2020 there was a decrease of about 50% from 2019 in terms of the number of cases. As of November 3, 2020, 66, 396 cases have been documented in Thailand. Central Thailand including Bangkok ranks second in the number of cases compared to the North, East, and Southern Thailand.
If you develop any symptoms or have a fever we recommend contacting your nearest healthcare provider. Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and take fever-reducing medications as needed (like Tylenol, it is important to avoid NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen). Severity can vary, so immediate medical attention is important.
Reference: Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (DVBD); Ministry of Public Health, Thailand (Vector Borne Diseases Division)
Sincerely,
Dr. Dhave SETABUTRISB
Health Clinic