BANGKOK, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Thailand has recorded no foreign tourist's death from dengue fever this year, the country's health department said on Wednesday.
Ophas Karnkawinwong, spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Health, said there has been an obvious decline of dengue infection since August as health departments have stepped up their efforts to eradicate Aedes, agenus of mosquito which is known to carry the dangerous virus.
The spread of the disease caused 52,670 people to fall ill countrywide, with 5,899 cases among Bangkok residents, according to official figures taken between Jan. 7 and Sept. 8 this year.
Nationally, the number of deaths rose to 69, five of which were reported in Bangkok.
The numbers seem high, but when they are compared with last year's figures over the same period, the situation shows an improvement, said the spokesperson.
There were 9,368 dengue cases in Bangkok while the total number across the country came to 53,190 from January to September last year.
Ophas said dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease, which is common in southeast Asia especially in monsoon season.
He said most of Thailand's dengue cases were recorded in humid remote rural areas where mosquitos can easily breed.
Cases were most commonly reported among those between 10 and 14 years old, while most of the dead are adults who receive treatments too late, said the official, who warned those who suffer from a fever for more than two days to see a doctor immediately before it becomes fatal.
He added that the mosquito which carries dengue virus is most active during daytime. He suggested that tourists wear long sleeves and long pants in risk zones and use mosquito repellent before having outdoor activities.
Tourists are advised to avoid jungle trekking and visiting waterfalls during the rainy season that starts from May and ends in November.
