Thailand's public health ministry has put out a dengue fever alert, with the country registering at least 25 deaths in 2019 from the mosquito-borne virus.
At least 15,000 are believed to have contracted the virus this year so far, an increase compared to the same period over the past five years, Public Health Minister Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said.
As Thailand approaches the wet season, which provides more water for mosquitoes to lay eggs and grow, the cases of dengue fever are expected to rise further, with a total of 100,000 people expected to contract the illness by the end of 2019, according to Suwanchai.
In 2018 more than 87,000 people were infected by the virus, with 114 deaths.
The public has been urged to cover water containers, wells and water tanks tightly and remove stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-born disease found throughout Southeast Asia which in mild cases causes fever, aching bones and a rash and usually clears up within 10 days. In severe cases, however, it can lead to internal bleeding, including in the brain, and can be fatal.
