According to statistics from the Dak Lak Centers for Disease Control (CDC), from the beginning of the year until 12/8, the province reported 160 dengue outbreaks (67 of which are active), nearly 3,700 cases, and one death. In Gia Lai, the Department of Health reported a cumulative total of 5,680 cases and one death from the beginning of the year until the end of August.

The Central Highlands and southern provinces are currently dengue fever hotspots. The rainy weather creates favorable conditions for disease vectors to develop, increasing the risk of the epidemic escalating and spreading. Dong Nai province currently has the highest number of fatalities. According to the provincial CDC, from the beginning of the year until 3/9, the province recorded 6 deaths and over 11,500 dengue fever cases. Tay Ninh province also reported one death and over 8,430 infections from the beginning of the year until 16/8, a 51% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

In Ho Chi Minh City, from the beginning of the year until 6/9, there were over 31,000 dengue fever cases, higher than the same period last year. For the week of 31/8-6/9 alone, the city recorded 1,338 cases, exceeding the weekly average for the first 36 weeks of the year. The locality has seen many severe cases, such as a 16-year-old girl currently receiving treatment at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases. The patient went into shock, developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ards), and multi-organ failure, requiring ecmo support for over one month. Treatment costs nearly one billion dong, even with health insurance.

In the northern region, dengue fever cases are fewer, but the health sector forecasts a potential increase in infections in the coming period, following the annual epidemic cycle, with new outbreaks emerging. According to the Ha Noi CDC, as of 4/9, a cumulative total of 2,382 cases were recorded in 117 out of 126 wards and communes across the city in 2026.

Epidemiology experts predict that the peak season of the epidemic will continue, with dengue fever cases potentially rising or remaining high until November-December.

Misconceptions about dengue fever

According to experts, many misconceptions about dengue fever persist within the community, which can put patients at risk of severe progression. These misconceptions and stories about dengue fever were recently re-enacted in the vodcast "Dengue Fever: Surprising Truths Behind the Frames," featuring Doctor Phan Vinh Tho, Head of Department D, Infectious Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and photographer Ngo Tran Hai An.

Photographer Ngo Tran Hai An and Doctor Phan Vinh Tho analyze the dangers of dengue fever, through images recorded at the hospital. *Photo: Doctor247*

Doctor Tho states that many mistakenly believe dengue fever only involves fever and bleeding. However, bleeding is not limited to vomiting blood or external bleeding; it can also occur internally, in the abdominal cavity, or in locations difficult to detect.

More dangerously, dengue fever can lead to dengue shock syndrome and multi-organ failure, such as liver failure, kidney failure, myocarditis, and brain damage, threatening lives if not detected and treated promptly. In older adults, liver damage is a particularly concerning complication. "Liver damage in dengue fever is like a shadow; they are inextricably linked. Some cases involve massive inflammation, very high liver enzymes, and severe liver cell necrosis," the doctor explained.

Many also believe that fever reduction indicates recovery. "In reality, the dangerous phase often falls between day three and day seven, when the patient's fever begins to subside," said Doctor Tho. Patients can experience plasma leakage, hypotension, shock, and other severe complications. Notably, patients may remain conscious and move normally even as their condition worsens. In 2022, the doctor encountered a male student with warning signs who refused hospitalization because he felt fine. The next morning, the patient returned in a cyanotic and critical state.

The doctor emphasized that if warning signs appear, such as reduced fever but increased fatigue, severe abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, or cold hands and feet, patients must go to the nearest medical facility immediately, without waiting for scheduled appointments.

Doctor Phan Vinh Tho sharing in the vodcast. *Photo: Doctor247*

Many people also think dengue fever is a childhood illness. In fact, adult cases have increased significantly in recent years.

Furthermore, a person can contract dengue fever up to four times. Having the disease once does not guarantee complete immunity; in fact, a second infection carries a higher risk of severe progression due to the specific immune mechanism of the dengue virus.

According to Doctor Tho, these misconceptions not only lead to severe patient conditions but also impose a burden on families and the healthcare system. "A child or a healthy person, who only had a fever for three to four days, can rapidly deteriorate, requiring mechanical ventilation and dialysis," the doctor shared.

Behind a severe case lies not only a battle in the intensive care unit but also hundreds of millions of dong in treatment costs, missed school or work days, lost income, and postponed plans.

Dengue fever patient receiving treatment at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: Quy Coc Tu*

Proactive prevention reduces healthcare burden

With dengue fever occurring year-round and no specific treatment available, proactive prevention remains crucial. Especially vulnerable are individuals over 60, pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or liver and kidney diseases, as they face a higher risk of severe progression. Therefore, they need to pay even closer attention to prevention.

Health experts advise people to actively avoid mosquito bites and seek medical attention immediately if they suspect dengue fever. Early examination and appropriate tests can aid in early detection, facilitating timely monitoring and management.

A patient with severe dengue fever complications admitted to Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases. *Photo: Quy Coc Tu*

Doctor Phan Vinh Tho emphasized that, in addition to traditional preventive measures, vaccination is a complementary solution for proactive prevention, helping reduce the risk of illness and severe progression. "By combining vaccination with larval control, mosquito eradication, and early detection, everyone can actively protect themselves and their families from dengue fever," the doctor stated.

Kim Anh

This program was implemented by Takeda Vietnam Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. with the support of the Government e-newspaper and advised and professionally approved by the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Association. All medical information presented is objective and does not represent the commercial views of any company.

This content is for educational and public awareness purposes only and is not intended for diagnosis or to replace consultation with a healthcare professional. Please consult a doctor for further advice.