On February 20, 2025, Dr. Panumas Yanwetchakulsakul, the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, provided updates on the state of dengue fever across Thailand, indicating significant changes from prior years. According to reports, there are currently 3,550 reported cases of dengue fever from January 1 to February 12, 2025, amounting to 5.37 cases per 100,000 people. This figure marks a notable decrease compared to the previous year's incidents, reflecting public health efforts and community immunity.
Dengue fever does not exhibit annual outbreaks but tends to follow cycles of increased and decreased activity. The rise of immunity among the population after major outbreaks appears to impact future years. Dr. Panumas noted, "The most effective way to reduce the severity of dengue cases is early detection of patients." This reinforces the significance of prompt healthcare interventions, especially during peak transmission times.
The report reveals the demographic most affected by current dengue incidences: school-aged children aged 5-14 years, followed by young adults aged 15-24 years. Geographically, the southern region of Thailand is reporting the highest cases, with provinces such as Phuket, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Narathiwat being particularly affected.
Despite the reduction of cases being reported this year, vigilance remains imperative as the country prepares for the onset of the rainy season. Health officials urge the public to continue preventive measures actively. Key strategies include eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites by draining stagnant water around homes, utilizing mosquito repellents, and seeking immediate medical attention for early diagnosis of dengue symptoms.
Dr. Panumas emphasized the need for public engagement and awareness by encouraging healthcare facilities—especially local health promotion hospitals—to screen patients, particularly those presenting with high fever alongside symptoms such as muscle pain or bleeding tendencies. Healthcare authorities are using rapid diagnosis kits to facilitate quicker and more accurate patient evaluations.
Alongside proactive treatment measures, the Department of Disease Control advises against the use of certain medications, particularly NSAIDs, which may exacerbate症状 during dengue infection. Patients are reminded to use paracetamol for fever reduction and to seek medical advice for their symptoms without delay.
Healthcare leaders like Dr. Panumas call for community cooperation to sustain these preventive efforts through awareness campaigns, urging families to watch closely for symptoms of dengue and to report any cases of high fever or unusual bleeding to medical staff. Preventative education is particularly necessary for protecting vulnerable populations, such as young children who are more susceptible to severe manifestations of the disease.
While this year's dengue numbers show promise, health officials will continuously monitor the situation. Public health strategy focuses on maintaining low infection rates, especially as the country transitions toward typical rainy conditions, which can often act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Timely interventions could save disease outbreaks from resurgence.
Concluding his address, Dr. Panumas reasserted, "Our goal remains to keep these numbers as low as possible before the rainy season arrives." This reflects the larger vision of fostering healthy communities across Thailand against the continuing threat of dengue fever. The Ministry of Public Health encourages everyone to maintain proactive health practices and to contact the Disease Control hotline at 1422 for any questions or support concerning dengue fever and related health issues.