Enhanced dengue prevention measures needed as cases rise

A dengue fever patient receives treatment. (Photo: suckhoedoisong.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – The reports that the number of
cases across the nation has increased 2.3 times in the first two
months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, with southern and central
provinces being hit the hardest.

In response to the growing crisis, the ministry has issued a directive to the
people’s committees of provinces and cities to implement preventative measures
before the peak months of 2023.

The directive urges localities to disseminate information on dengue fever and
organise activities for the ASEAN Day of Dengue Prevention and Control.
Additionally, relevant agencies and the medical sector have been assigned to
carry out campaigns on and larvae eradication,
ensuring that households in epidemic and at-risk areas are regularly monitored
for mosquito’s breeding grounds such as water tanks and waste bins.

To facilitate early detection and prompt handling of dengue outbreaks, local
preventive health agencies have been directed to closely monitor the situation
in their respective areas.

Medical establishments must also ensure the availability of adequate treatment
equipment and organise patient receiving to avoid potential delays in emergency
treatment or hospital transfer. Upper-level hospitals have plans to support
local clinics in treatment, and departments of finance have been instructed to
submit budget plans for funding dengue prevention and control programmes in 2023.

Despite efforts to control the epidemic, epidemiologists warn that the cyclical
nature of dengue epidemics, coupled with favourable weather conditions for the
development of larvae and , pose ongoing challenges.

Last year, the country recorded 361,813 cases of dengue fever and 133 deaths.
Localities have been advised to organise inspections and supervision of dengue
fever prevention and control in hot spots and areas at risk of outbreaks./.