Dengue fever in Thailand’s northeastern region is likely to become more serious this year, particularly in Nakhon Ratchasima province where more than 1,400 people have been diagnosed as suffering from the mosquito-borne disease and in Ubon Ratchathani, where over 2,000 people have fallen sick and eight have died.

The Ministry of Public Health has estimated that, this year, dengue fever cases may reach the 100,000 mark as statistics since January show more than 23,000 cases, with 30 fatalities.  Most of the cases are of Type 2 dengue, which is the most serious of the four types.

To deal with the problem, especially removing the breeding grounds of striped mosquitos, a tougher law has been promulgated which requires owners of houses and other premises to destroy mosquito breeding grounds or face a maximum prison sentence of three months and/or a fine of up to 25,000 baht.

Health and local administration officials have been visiting villagers to educate them about how to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds by disposing of stagnant water and water stored in containers outside their houses or by putting salt or vinegar in the water.