More than 50,000 people have been reportedly infected by dengue fever in Thailand since the beginning of the year through September 8, including 69 deaths, according to the newest data from the Health Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

The capital Bangkok is considered the worst-hit area, which has reported approximately 5,900 cases, including five deaths.

Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said on Tuesday that he had instructed all 50 districts in the capital city to send officials to carry out anti-mosquito spraying in all communities to control the outbreak.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection, which causes a flu-like illness, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue, according to the explanation from the World Health Organization.

 (Top image via VCG)