This marks the third consecutive week of increasing infections in the city, bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the year to 588, with no fatalities reported, according to a CDC representative.

This surge coincides with the summer holiday period, characterized by a boom in travel, social gatherings, and large-group activities. Increased social contact creates an environment for respiratory viruses to spread. The Hanoi CDC anticipates further increases in case numbers in the coming weeks.

The evolving epidemic is already straining the treatment system. The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases is currently treating 18 Covid-19 patients, primarily elderly individuals or those with underlying conditions—the group at highest risk for severe progression. Hospitalized cases often present with initial symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, or gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea.

Given the continuous evolution of the virus, medical professionals advise the public, especially high-risk groups, to monitor their health closely, limit contact at the first sign of suspicious symptoms, and get vaccinated.

Alongside Covid-19, Hanoi also reported 146 new dengue fever cases last week, an increase of 50 cases from the previous week, with three new outbreaks identified in Chuong Duong, Thanh Oai, and Viet Hung. Since the beginning of the year, the city has recorded 871 dengue cases, double the figure for the same period in 2023. The disease is entering its annual peak cycle due to rainy weather, which favors mosquito breeding.

Meanwhile, hand, foot, and mouth disease recorded 109 cases during the week, a slight decrease from the previous week. However, the risk of an outbreak remains high as students prepare to return to school in August and September.

In response to the increase in multiple infectious diseases, the Hanoi CDC is intensifying surveillance to ensure early detection, containment, and thorough management of outbreaks as soon as they emerge.

Covid-19 testing. Photo: Nhu Quynh

Globally, the China CDC also warned of a resurgence of Covid in the country during the summer, with a continuous increase in positive test rates for six consecutive weeks. In June, China reported approximately 79,000 cases, with 130 severe cases and one death. The circulating virus strains remain Omicron variants, and no new variants posing an increased public health risk have emerged.

Le Nga