Dispatch 665/CĐ-TTg dated July 25, 2022, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, on the strengthening of the prevention and control of dengue fever and other infectious diseases, states that since early this year, Vietnam has recorded both the number of dengue fever cases and deaths higher than figures of the same period in 2021.

The epidemic was at risk of spreading in many provinces and cities, especially in the South and central regions.

The country has recorded more than 120,000 cases of dengue fever, an increase of three times from last year, and 40 deaths.

The Prime Minister has requested the people's committees of provinces and cities to mobilise people to kill mosquitoes and mosquito larvae, improve environmental sanitation in residential areas, and establish epidemic prevention teams in communities.

Localities must proactively reserve enough medical equipment and funding for epidemic prevention.

The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Health to guide and inspect local health stations on detecting and handling outbreaks and treating dengue fever and other infectious diseases.

Schools must actively participate in the mosquitoes and larvae killing campaign and call on students to wash their hands with soap and take measures to prevent and control the disease.

The Ministry of Finance has been asked to ensure sufficient funding for epidemic prevention and control work.

Ngu Duy Nghia, head of the Infectious Disease Department, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that in the first six months, the northern provinces recorded nearly 1,500 cases of dengue fever, accounting for only 1 per cent of the total number of cases in the whole country (82 per cent in the south, 14 per cent in the central region). Cases have been detected in Hanoi, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa.

According to health experts, a dengue epidemic occurs typically every four to five years, and 2022 was expected to be an outbreak year.

Parents must recognise typical dengue symptoms, such as high fever, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruises and vaginal bleeding. 

Initial symptoms of dengue fever are similar to some viral infections, and the onset of the disease can sometimes be the same as COVID-19. 

Source: Vietnam News