Systemic Investigation of Dengue Incidence and Control Measures in Surin, Thailand, 2018

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the situation of dengue outbreak in Surin, a province in the Northeast of Thailand, and its control measures, and determine the association between entomological indices and dengue incidence in 2018. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used. Document review, primary survey and in-depth interviews were performed. A survey was conducted in 17 subdistricts. Descriptive statistics and multivariable Poisson regression were exercised in quantitative data. Thematic coding was applied in qualitative data. The attack rate between 1 January 2018 and 28 July 2018 was 72.3 cases per 100,000 population. The outbreak was pronounced during June-July 2018, with no reported deaths. Most cases were children aged below 15 years. Dengue fever was the most common diagnosis. The survey found positive association between Breteau index and attack rate. Regarding control measures, most fogging used a single chemical instead of mixed chemicals. Some local providers flagged difficulties in operationalizing the control measures, resulted from resource-mobilization constraints and opposition from some local inhabitants. Intensifying larva elimination campaigns and switching the fogging method from single chemical to mixed chemicals were recommended. A participatory public policy process should be initiated to identify effective vector-control strategies that are in line with the inhabitants’ living norms.