Thailand expects record dengue cases June 9, 2013 - 9:16AM Thailand is heading for a record-breaking number of dengue fever cases in 2013, with 44 people dead already from the mosquito-transmitted virus already. The health ministry predicts Thailand this year will see at least 100,000 dengue cases and more than 100 deaths, a three-fold increase from last year and a record-high for the kingdom, the Bangkok Post online reported on Saturday. From the start of the year until June 4, a total of 39,029 people have been treated for dengue, of whom 44 have died. Half the patients were under the age of 15. Dengue, also called hemorrhagic fever, is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes that thrive in Southeast Asia's urban centers. The health ministry called on the public to get rid of any objects containing standing, clean water, such as old tires or empty bottles, as these are the preferred breeding spots of the Aedes mosquito.