PHUKET: Public Health officials on Phuket believe they are winning the battle to contain dengue fever - thanks to successful community-based programs.
No deaths have been recorded in 2014 among 680 cases, Phuket Health Director Kajornsak Keawjarat told Phuketwan. There was one death in 2013, he said.
''We will be aiming to reduce the number of cases to under 500 in 2015,'' Khun Kajornsak said. ''We think that is a reasonable objective because of the community approach.''
As well as council spray trucks containing the mosquitoes that spread dengue, local programs have increased awareness of the need to reduce areas where mosquitoes can breed.
Urban places tend to provide the best habitat for mosquitoes. But obliteration of small pools of water controls outbreaks best.
On Phuket, teams of volunteers have been touring streets providing brochures, advice and mosquito-resistant plants for gardens.
No deaths have been recorded in 2014 among 680 cases, Phuket Health Director Kajornsak Keawjarat told Phuketwan. There was one death in 2013, he said.
''We will be aiming to reduce the number of cases to under 500 in 2015,'' Khun Kajornsak said. ''We think that is a reasonable objective because of the community approach.''
As well as council spray trucks containing the mosquitoes that spread dengue, local programs have increased awareness of the need to reduce areas where mosquitoes can breed.
Urban places tend to provide the best habitat for mosquitoes. But obliteration of small pools of water controls outbreaks best.
On Phuket, teams of volunteers have been touring streets providing brochures, advice and mosquito-resistant plants for gardens.
(moderated)
Posted by Laurie Howells on December 23, 2014 15:31
Editor Comment:
Merry Christmas, Laurie. here's hoping Santa brings you the ability to learn how to cease nit-picking, focus on real issues and perhaps even add value. Goodness, your comments might even get published one day.