ID :
205033
Sat, 09/03/2011 - 15:21
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/205033
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Mosquito population rising amid global warming: Study
BANGKOK, September 3 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Public Health has warned that heat waves can reduce the life-span of mosquitoes, but will increase their population.
Doctor Wichai Satimai, director of the ministry's insect-borne diseases office, acknowledged an updated study has found that an increase in temperatures by 0.5-1 degree Celsius will shorten the life-span of mosquitoes, but will increase their population with reduced sizes, as the changing weather and higher temperatures have altered environmental conditions, including the life-cycle of viruses and insect-borne diseases.
Doctor Wichai reported that a total of 44,330 dengue fever cases were recorded during this year’s January-August period with 34 fatalities, noting, however, that the overall number of the infections and deaths fell from the same period of last year by some 30 per cent.
Doctor Wichai also said the highest number of dengue fever infections was recorded in Thailand's central region, followed by the northern, northeastern and southern, and mostly involved the 15-24 age group, shifting from the previous 5-14 age group; while the dengue viruses type 2 and 3 were identified as the main strains in this year’s outbreaks.
The senior Thai health official said that obese patients were more likely to die from dengue fever infections due to their bodies' slow response to rehydration therapies, and that the findings have been forwarded to the Royal College of Pathology for the formulation of suitable treatment.
On preventive measures, the chief of the insect-borne diseases office revealed that municipalities across the country have been instructed to constantly improve hygienic standards in their respective areas to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, suggesting any individual experiencing high fever for 3-4 consecutive days, coupled with poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, rashes or red spots on their bodies, to immediately seek medical advice and treatment. (TNA)
Doctor Wichai Satimai, director of the ministry's insect-borne diseases office, acknowledged an updated study has found that an increase in temperatures by 0.5-1 degree Celsius will shorten the life-span of mosquitoes, but will increase their population with reduced sizes, as the changing weather and higher temperatures have altered environmental conditions, including the life-cycle of viruses and insect-borne diseases.
Doctor Wichai reported that a total of 44,330 dengue fever cases were recorded during this year’s January-August period with 34 fatalities, noting, however, that the overall number of the infections and deaths fell from the same period of last year by some 30 per cent.
Doctor Wichai also said the highest number of dengue fever infections was recorded in Thailand's central region, followed by the northern, northeastern and southern, and mostly involved the 15-24 age group, shifting from the previous 5-14 age group; while the dengue viruses type 2 and 3 were identified as the main strains in this year’s outbreaks.
The senior Thai health official said that obese patients were more likely to die from dengue fever infections due to their bodies' slow response to rehydration therapies, and that the findings have been forwarded to the Royal College of Pathology for the formulation of suitable treatment.
On preventive measures, the chief of the insect-borne diseases office revealed that municipalities across the country have been instructed to constantly improve hygienic standards in their respective areas to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, suggesting any individual experiencing high fever for 3-4 consecutive days, coupled with poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, rashes or red spots on their bodies, to immediately seek medical advice and treatment. (TNA)
