{
  "id": 3480236,
  "title": "Thailand dengue cases hit 21,620, death toll reaches 31 in 2026",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/thailand-dengue-cases-hit-21-620-death-toll-reaches-31-in-2026",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-26T08:26:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Thaiger",
    "slug": "the-thaiger",
    "url": "https://thethaiger.com/guides/best-of/health/thailand-dengue-cases-21620-death-toll-31-2026"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thailand has recorded a total of 21,620 dengue cases and 31 deaths so far in 2026, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). These figures cover the period from January 1st to August 19th, and although the case numbers are below last year's level, the upward trend during the dengue season continues. The capital city, Bangkok, has reported 1,785 cases and four deaths.\n\nDDC deputy director-general Dr Anek Mungaomklang emphasized that areas with multiple dengue cases need continued monitoring and disease-control measures. These include tracking patients, investigating infections, identifying additional cases, and controlling mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes. Anek urged residents to help eliminate breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit the dengue virus, by participating in efforts to remove breeding sites.\n\nThe DDC has been working closely with Bangkok health agencies in Bang Kapi district to investigate disease hotspots. They have identified abandoned rubbish and stagnant water as key environmental risk factors for mosquito breeding. To address these issues, residents have helped clean up rubbish and standing water, while authorities have conducted active screening points and set up fogging operations. The DDC also distributed mosquito repellent, fogging chemicals, and mosquito coils to support local control efforts.\n\nResidents are advised to follow the DDC's three-step approach to dengue prevention: clearing rubbish and containers that collect water, keeping homes clean to reduce mosquito resting places, and ensuring proper covering of drinking and household water. They should use mosquito repellent and sleep under mosquito nets to protect themselves from bites. Symptoms of dengue include fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius lasting more than two days, accompanied by headache, eye pain, facial redness, thirst or small bleeding spots beneath the skin. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, rather than attempting self-treatment.",
  "summary": "Thailand has recorded 21,620 dengue cases and 31 deaths this year, with infections continuing to rise during the seasonal outbreak period, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported today, August 26. Dr Anek Mungaomklang, deputy director-general of the DDC under the Ministry of Public Health, said the figures cover January 1 to August 19. Although … The story Thailand dengue cases hit…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}