BANGKOK, 3 July 2012 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health has reported over 17,000 cases of dengue fever in Thailand this year, resulting in 18 deaths from the illness.

Deputy Director-General of Disease Control Department, Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, said this year dengue fever affected more adults than children.

In Amnaj Charoen province, a 48-year-old woman recently died from dengue fever after visiting three hospitals in the area. Initial investigations indicated that she had experienced flu-like symptoms for three days before going to hospital.

Dr Suwanchai urged members of the public to consult a doctor if flu-like symptoms persist beyond 48 hours and to avoid taking aspirin tablets.

He added that sudden deaths often occur in second infections with dengue virus.

Read more: NNT