Vietnam reports surge in dengue infections

Hanoi alone recorded 700 cases, including one death, the report said.

Dr. Do Duy Cuong, head of the Infectious Diseases Department of Bach Mai
Hospital, said this year, the dengue epidemic occurred earlier than usual and
this was unusual.

Since the beginning of the year, dozens of people have visited the hospital for
examination and 60 dengue cases have received in-patient treatment, he said.

The patients were mainly students from crowded residential areas, such as Hoang
Mai, Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung and Cau Giay districts, where several student
hostels with poor sanitary conditions were located.

In some cases, patients developed high fever repeatedly but did not visit the doctor
until the fifth day. Following hospitalisation, it was found they were infected
with the disease.

In response, the health departments in cities and provinces have directed
medical units to prevent dengue fever from spreading, including raising local awareness
and offering advice on how to take preventive measures.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
There is no specific vaccine and treatment for dengue, Dr. Doan Thu Tra, deputy
head of the Infectious Diseases Department, said.

Patients who develop a sudden high fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius, lasting 2-7
days and with symptoms of headache, tenderness, accompanied by signs of rash
and skin congestion should visit the hospital for early diagnosis and timely
treatment, she said.

Recommendations include destroying habitats where mosquitoes breed, ensuring a
clean living environment, using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved
shirts and pants. 

The Ministry of Health has asked local health departments to take measures to
kill mosquito larvae, spray insecticides and adequately equip hospitals to
provide treatment and reduce the number of fatalities.

Dengue is endemic in Vietnam, and though peak transmission occurs during the
rainy summer months, the virus can be transmitted all year.-VNA