The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) has reported over 15,000 dengue fever cases since the beginning of the year, a nearly 160% increase compared to the same period last year. Nearly 12,000 cases, including 222 severe cases and 6 deaths, were in the former Ho Chi Minh City area. The former Binh Duong province recorded almost 2,700 cases, with 65 severe cases and 3 deaths. The former Ba Ria-Vung Tau province reported 929 cases and one death. The number of severe cases in these areas is significantly higher than the same period last year.
An HCDC representative warned, "Dengue fever is increasing rapidly and spreading widely, putting pressure on the health system due to the number of severe cases and fatalities." Between 2019 and 2022, major outbreaks occurred from mid-June to the end of August, coinciding with the rainy season, which creates a favorable environment for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Therefore, the city is on high alert during this period.
Local authorities are intensifying surveillance, outbreak control, and risk assessment, and are educating residents about preventative measures to reduce infections and deaths. The Online Medical application channel will receive reports and monitor the handling of high-risk areas.
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Treating a dengue fever patient at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Photo: Quynh Tran |
Treating a dengue fever patient at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Photo: Quynh Tran
Last week, a working group from the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute, the Department of Health, and the HCDC conducted a disease control survey in several areas. They discovered numerous tires and jars containing rainwater, ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever and cause outbreaks.
The city’s health sector advises residents to actively eliminate mosquito larvae by removing stagnant water where mosquitoes lay eggs. Infrequently used water containers for domestic purposes should be properly arranged, covered, and prevented from accumulating stagnant water.
To kill mosquitoes and prevent bites, people should use mosquito nets, sprays, incense, repellent creams or wipes, and mosquito swatters. Anyone experiencing a fever should seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-treatment.
Le Phuong
