Chiang Mai province has set up a public health emergency operations centre to contain the spread of dengue fever, after 1,805 people have been infected since January 1^st and two have died.

According to Dr. Chatichai Maneerat, the provincial health chief, most of the dengue fever cases were among people aged 25-34, 15-24 and 10-14, mainly in Mae Ai, Chiang Dao, Chai Prakan and Mueang districts.

At the meeting at the centre today (Tuesday), which was attended by health officials from 25 districts in Chiang Mai, all the districts were instructed to get rid of mosquito larvae in all water sources and storage. They were also told to appoint public health volunteers in schools and temples to survey water accumulations in their compounds, to ensure they do not become breeding grounds for striped mosquito larvae.

Dr. Chatichai also urged members of the public to monitor themselves and their family members for sudden high fevers lasting 48 hours or more, accompanied by headache, muscle pain, fatigue and loss of appetite, adding that they should see a doctor immediately and refrain from self-prescribing medication, such as aspirin or diclofenac.