CityNews – The number of Dengue fever patients in Chiang Mai has increased from last year, after the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office announced that over 1,600 people have been diagnosed with the fever this year on September 1.
Most victims of the fever were from Muang Chiang Mai, Mae Rim, Hod, San Sai, Doi Saket and Fang districts.
However, only one person has died of dengue fever this year.
Dr Surasing Witsarutrat, deputy head of the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, believes that the number of patients will increase to around 2,500 by October.
The increase in dengue fever is thought to be due to the erratic rainfall this year, with rainfall stopping and starting, causing water logging which provides the perfect habitat for mosquitoes to breed.
Many villages have worked with the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office to remove areas of water logging in local communities.
The public has been advised to be cautious and take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites. The elderly, children and those with congenital disease are advised to take extra precautions.