Dengue cases soar in Yangon
By Yamon Phu Thit | Monday, 24 June 2013Experts are warning that 2013 is likely to see high numbers of dengue fever cases and warned that it poses a risk to all people, regardless of their age.
A student covers her nose as a health worker fumigates an area outside a school building in Yangon in 2007. Photo: AFP
Already more than 4000 cases have been reported, the Ministry of Health said, and experts are predicting a repeat of 2010 when there more than 16,000 cases and 100 deaths.
Five children have died from dengue haemorrhagic fever in Myanmar so far this year.
"Based on the high infection rate so far, we think that this year's total will be as high as 2010," said Dr Ni Ni Aye, the deputy director of the Ministry of Health's Dengue Department.
Most of the infections reported this year were in children aged five to nine years, Dr Ni Ni Aye said. However, there have also been cases in people aged 15 years and above.
"Compared to previous years, more adults have been infected with dengue," she said.
Dengue cases are on the rise across the region, with Singapore reporting more than 10,000 infections and two deaths. In Thailand, more than 40,000 had been infected and 50 killed as of June 11, and a recent survey by Thailand's Ministry of Public Health put the number of cases in Southeast Asia at more than 126,000.
Dr Zaw Than Tun, a liver specialist at New Yangon General Hospital, said it would be difficult to know the true number of adult cases because some will seek treatment at private clinics.
"Children under 15 years of age can only be admitted to a children's hospital. Those over 15 can go to either a government or private hospital so it will be difficult to get the exact data," he said.
He said that while infection is more common in children under 15 years of age, adults should also be aware of the risk of contracting dengue.
"We just want to remind adults that they can also be infected. Many don't realise that they have the same chance," he said.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. It cannot be spread directly from one person to another. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person with the dengue virus in their blood.
Dengue fever is most common from June to August when the mosquitoes are more common. There are four strains of dengue virus and adults can develop dengue fever if they are infected with one of the more severe strains.
The symptoms of dengue infection in adults are different from those in children and sometimes milder, Dr Zaw Than Tun said.
Adults can suffer joint and muscle pain, headaches, vomiting and abdominal pain, he said.
"When adults have got an illness without any [flu symptoms, such as] sneezing, coughing or a sore throat, it could be dengue fever," he said.
While it is more dangerous for children than adults, he said all people with dengue-like symptoms should seek treatment at their nearest clinic or hospital and have a blood test to confirm if they are infected.
In order to reduce the chances of infection, the Ministry of Health recommends cleaning areas where mosquitoes can breed and protecting against mosquito bites by taking measures such as sleeping under a bed net.
"Everyone, regardless of their age, should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," she said.
"Once infected, people should go to the hospital promptly. That's the only way to reduce dengue-related deaths."
Dengue fever was first detected in Myanmar in 1969. In 1970, 1065 cases and 90 deaths were detected. In 2011, 3016 cases were reported, with 5060 cases in 2012.
Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/06/26/dengue-cases-soar-in-yangon/
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