Since dengue fever was first recorded in Thailand in 1949, the mosquito-borne viral disease has never been eradicated. It has become even more widespread, as in the first half of this year, dengue crept back into several parts of the country, triggering higher numbers of infections and deaths compared to previous years.
The trend signals that this year's outbreak is likely to be the worst in five years. Although the Disease Control Department declared dengue an epidemic last Friday, the public still has not been made aware of the severity of the outbreak.
During the first six months of the year, 28,785 people were struck down with dengue fever, 43 of whom died. The figures, which are double the five-year average, is even higher than last year's total of 14,900 infections and 19 deaths.
But we have not even finished this year's count. After last month's arrival of the rainy season, the rate of infection is likely to accelerate and become higher than in the dry season because the rain brings more mosquitoes. Moreover, once infected, humans are able to spread the virus to uninfected mosquitoes, which multiplies it further.
The current outbreak is more alarming than in previous years because the majority of this year's infections have been caused by the most virulent strain, according to Sanook.com, quoting Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoen, director-general of the Disease Control Department.
Officials at the Public Health Ministry have already solicited the cooperation of other state agencies to help control the mosquito larvae.
However, a stronger message needs to be given to the public that this is really a health emergency.
Given its flu-like symptoms, people will be complacent if they are not issued a serious warning along with accurate information on prevention and treatment. There should also be more public awareness that dengue is more prevalent in urban settings than in rural areas.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), individuals should suspect that they are infected with dengue when a high fever is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea and vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains or a rash. The symptoms usually last for two to seven days.
If symptoms don't improve within a day or two, individuals should visit the hospital to avoid further health issues and even death.
Thais, expatriates and tourists in this country need to be told to remain highly vigilant, as there is no treatment for dengue fever.
Vaccinations are still not an ideal solution, as they do not work for those who have never been infected with the disease before.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn should have done more to address the current outbreak as a public health emergency, rather than leaving it to be exclusively handled by public health officials.
Responses and directives from the top could have helped enhance surveillance, prevention and treatment efforts by relevant state agencies while closing capacity and funding gaps. More importantly, a proper response would create a sense of high alert within the general public.
Dengue has always proven to be a silent killer, and this year it has become even more dangerous. Everyone should be aware of this threat.