Dengue Fever in Phuket: Warning Signs and Hospitals
See a doctor promptly if a fever does not go down, vomiting increases, gums bleed, bleeding spots appear on the skin or you become drowsy. Take only paracetamol, not NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Phuket was among the five provinces with the highest dengue rates in July 2026.
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Warning signs: go to hospital
See a doctor promptly if the fever does not go down, vomiting increases, gums bleed, spots of bleeding appear on the skin or you become drowsy. A high fever for more than 2 days also needs a doctor.
Do not wait for the fever to end. Severe signs usually appear as the fever falls, which makes patients think they are better. The critical phase mostly lasts about 24 to 48 hours and begins after the fever has fallen. Continued vomiting and abdominal pain as the fever falls point towards it.
Quick recognition and correct treatment reduce the case fatality from 10 percent to 1 percent.
For an ambulance call 1669. The line is part of a countrywide network and is free of charge.
What dengue feels like
Patients usually have sudden high fever, headache, body aches, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite or a red rash. The fever is constant for about 2 to 7 days. Low platelets make bleeding easy, for example bleeding gums and nosebleed.
In the first days the symptoms may be unclear and a blood test may look normal or only slightly abnormal. Three in four infected people usually have no symptoms.
Painkillers: paracetamol only
With a fever, take only paracetamol. Avoid NSAIDs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and aspirin. Treatment is supportive, and patients should avoid pain and anti-inflammatory drugs that irritate the stomach.
NSAIDs are also a listed risk factor: DDC names obesity, an underlying disease, late treatment and receiving NSAID anti-inflammatory drugs as the main risk factors for death. Thai FDA material classes NSAIDs as dangerous drugs. Read more in the Phuket pharmacy guide.
Dengue in Phuket: the 2026 numbers
Phuket was one of the five provinces with the highest rates over the latest four weeks, with Satun, Nakhon Nayok, Ranong and Trang. Thailand counted 16,094 cases from 1 January to 22 July 2026, with 26 deaths and a case fatality rate of 0.16 percent.
By the 15 September 2026 briefing the national total was 25,026 cases and 39 deaths. The count is 1.8 times lower than in 2025 but still trending up, especially in the South.
Cases are usually much higher in the rainy season, because Aedes mosquitoes increase. Many cases fall during and after the rainy season, May to August.
Where to go in Phuket
Vachira Phuket Hospital is the main hospital of Phuket province and a regional hospital. It is at 353 Yaowarad Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000.
353 Yaowarad Rd Rang Hill, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Bangkok Hospital Phuket is at 2 / 1 Hongyok, Hongyokutis Rd, Taladyai, Muang, Phuket 83000. Its phone number is 076 254 425, and its emergency teams are ready 24/7. For immediate critical care it gives 1719.
2 / 1 Hongyok, Hongyokutis Rd, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Patong Hospital is at 57 Sainamyen Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150. Its phone number is 076-342 633-4. The full comparison is in the English-speaking hospitals guide.
Prevention and vaccine
Cover water containers tightly, add mosquito-larvae sand, turn over unused water-holding containers and clear rubbish around the house. The Aedes mosquito bites during the day, most just after sunrise.
Use DEET at 20 to 50 percent or picaridin at 5 to 20 percent on exposed skin.
The dengue vaccine is optional under a doctor’s advice. It is not yet in the immunisation programme but is available at some clinics or hospitals. For questions call the Department of Disease Control hotline, 1422.
Photo credits
- The day-biting Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue: Wikimedia Commons, Aedes aegypti on leaf (Wee Hong, CC BY-SA 4.0) (opens in a new tab) (CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wee Hong))
- Photos and clips uploaded to Google Maps (Vachira Phuket Hospital on Google Maps (opens in a new tab), Bangkok Hospital Phuket on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)) by Google Maps contributor.
Step by step
- Choose paracetamolWith a fever, take only paracetamol and avoid NSAIDs.
- Watch the feverSee a doctor promptly if the fever lasts more than 2 days.
- Go in at the warning signsGums bleeding, bleeding spots on the skin, increased vomiting or drowsiness mean see a doctor promptly.
- Ask for the hospitalCall 1669 for a medical emergency.
Not confirmed: Phuket-only case counts for 2026: the figures here are national; ask the hospital about local numbers. Vaccine prices in Phuket: ask the hospital before booking.
Common questions
Is dengue common in Phuket?
Phuket was one of the five provinces with the highest dengue rates over the latest four weeks. Thailand counted 16,094 cases from 1 January to 22 July 2026.
What are the first symptoms of dengue?
Sudden high fever, headache, body aches, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite or a red rash. The fever is constant for about 2 to 7 days.
Which painkiller is safe with dengue?
Take only paracetamol with a fever. Avoid NSAIDs such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and aspirin.
When does dengue turn dangerous?
The critical phase mostly lasts about 24 to 48 hours and comes after the fever has fallen. Quick recognition and correct treatment reduce the case fatality from 10 percent to 1 percent.
Do I need a blood test straight away?
In the first days the symptoms may be unclear and a blood test may look normal or only slightly abnormal. A high fever lasting more than 2 days needs a doctor.
Is there a dengue vaccine?
It is an optional vaccine under a doctor's advice. It is not yet in the immunisation programme but is available at some clinics or hospitals.
What repellent works against the day-biting mosquito?
Use DEET at 20 to 50 percent or picaridin at 5 to 20 percent on exposed skin. Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day, most just after sunrise.
Who do I call for an ambulance?
Call 1669 for a medical emergency. The line is free of charge.
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General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
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Comments (6)
JesterRace88
I have to disagree that finding a doctor is either difficult, nor expensive in Thailand? I just did a maps search and found 30+ clinics in Phuket. Get off reddit and go to one mate. Travel insurance should also cover this, which assuming you have it, is relatively cheap also. I paid €60 for 30 days cover in Thailand.
longasleep
Thai mosquito repellant I use the pink bottle from 7-11. On the paranoia side the chance of getting dengue fever is incredibly low. Have a great time here try not to think about it!
manko2917
Buy the thai mosquito repellants, the transparent bottles with orange liquid inside. They seem to work fine for me.
Wolfbain9
FYI Dengue Fever cases on the rise Dengue Fever cases are on the rise. My girlfriend just got diagnosed in Phuket. The doctor said he had 30+ cases in the last week with the same symptoms in Phuket and people coming from Bangkok. Fever and a rash that spread. Take care of yourself if you are feeling ill and go to a hospital.
dudeinthetv
Just fyi for anyone interested, QDenga vaccine by Takeda Pharma is available at most hospital now. They're have been developing this vaccine 1964. (Please don't anti-vaccine-bash me, i know it can be a sensitive issue but im just trying to help.)
Opposite-Place-8752
I am doctor in Phuket. Dengue, even though it possible and quite common here, 90% of patient are having only mild symptoms, 10% of 10% that having severe symptoms still having a lot of surviving chance without permanent morbidity. Enjoy your life, not that much to worry.