Health ministry urged caution as dengue fever outbreak escalates

A health worker sprays chemicals in the central province of Phú Yên. — VNA/VNS Photo 

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Health on Tuesday asked localities nationwide to boost dengue prevention and control measures as the number of cases continues to rise, particularly in the south and central regions.

This is now considered the peak dengue season, and by June 16, Việt Nam recorded more than 60,000 cases, an increase of 97 per cent compared to the same period last year and about 8,000 cases higher than the previous week.

This year, the number of severe dengue cases increased rapidly, much higher than in the same periods of two previous years. More children have also died from dengue fever than adults.

In previous years the ratio was switched, with more adults succumbing to the fever. 

The Ministry of Health forecasts that the number of dengue fever cases will continue to increase in the near future and the disease may break out on a large scale if drastic measures are not put in place.

To actively prevent and control dengue fever, the ministry asked localities to assess the dengue epidemic situation in their area, propose solutions to quickly overcome difficulties, and implement preventive/control measures.

Authorities at all levels are responsible for directing and engaging political and socio-political organisations, sectors, and organisations to coordinate with the health sector in deploying a campaign to kill larvae. 

All areas, and households in epidemic-affected and at-risk areas must be inspected and monitored.

The Departments of Health in cities and provinces must strengthen inspection and closely monitor the situation to quickly detect new cases.

Health workers should be offered proper training on dengue fever surveillance and treatment under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.

Private clinics and health facilities must absolutely comply with guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and timely and safe referral monitoring. 

HCM City has reported nine deaths this year while it confirmed 16,057 dengue cases, an increase of 7,388 cases, equivalent to 117.3 per cent higher compared to the same period last year.

HCM City’s dengue outbreaks and cases increased dramatically in recent weeks. From June 10 to June 16, the city recorded 2,181 dengue cases, an increase of 606 cases (or 38.5 per cent) compared to the average of the last four weeks. The city recorded 136 new dengue outbreaks in 77 wards and communes in 16/22 districts and Thủ Đức City, an increase of 13 new outbreaks compared to the previous week.

Meanwhile, in the central province of Quảng Bình, 147 cases of dengue fever have been reported. Bố Trạch District is the locality with the highest number of cases (39 cases), followed by Lệ Thủy District (35 cases), Đồng Hới City (28 cases), and Quảng Ninh District (21 cases). Up to now, Quảng Bình is one of few provinces that have not recorded any dengue-related deaths.

In the southern province of Bình Dương, during the rainy season from April 2022 to now, the whole province recorded 4,867 cases of dengue fever,  up 17.6 per cent over the same period in 2021. Dengue also claimed eight deaths in the province.

From the beginning of this year until now, the whole province has detected 920 clusters of dengue fever. — VNS