Thailand warns of rise in dengue fever

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

BANGKOK (AFP) — A top Thai health official Friday warned of a surge in dengue fever after the mosquito-borne disease killed six people and infected nearly 6,000 this year.

"It is likely that dengue fever will be more severe this year than last year," Thawat Suntrajarn, director-general of the disease control department at the public health ministry, told AFP.

The disease has already killed six and sickened more than 5,800 since the beginning of this year, Thawat said, warning that the number of new infections could surge during Thailand's rainy seasons from June to August.

Thailand has suffered 1,000 more cases than during the same period of last year, he said.

In 2007, dengue fever killed 91 people and infected more than 63,000 in Thailand,...