Thousands of residents of Hanoi have been struck by dengue fever over recent weeks, putting medical services under strain as they struggle to combat the potentially lethal disease.


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Hospitals such as Bach Mai (pictured) are overwhelmed as thousands of patients suffering with symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and joint pains seek treatment.





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There is no specific treatment for the virus, and sufferers are generally asked to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take medications. Above: With Bach Mai Hospital rooms filled patients are pushed to hallways.





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Year to date, the city of Hanoi has logged nearly 14,000 cases of dengue with 14 deaths. Above: Congested Dong Da Hospital makes use of available overflow space for patient care outside of rooms.



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 Patients at the Dong Da Hospital lay two and sometimes three to a bed.






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A similar overflow situation exists at the Thanh Nhan Hospital where patients lay two to a bed in the corridors.




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The situation puts undue stress on patients and medical staff.






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Two patients share one bed at the Dong Da Hospital.






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 Three patients share one bed at the Bach Mai Hospital.





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Dr Do Duy Cuong at the Bach Mai Hospital says it has implemented a strategy to free up beds, which includes providing home support care and only admitting the most severe cases.






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Dr Cuong says the most common complication of dengue fever is renal and liver damage. Above: He examines a patient at Bach Mai Hospital, which is admitting up to 1,000 people daily.





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Meanwhile Hanoi city workers continue fogging throughout wards nightly during the hours of 1am-5am to kill mosquitoes and larvae, which are largely responsible for the spread of dengue fever.





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VOV