4 dengue fever fatalities so far this year

The number of cases of infection showed no sign of increasing in the first months of this year but saw a significant reduction on the corresponding period last year. However, the south, central and central highlands enter rainy season while the north begins summer, which is when mosquitoes start to reproduce rapidly. Thus, if localities do not actively implement preventive measures, epidemics are likely to occur and spread.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, the Ministry of Health held a meeting with 63 provinces and cities earlier this year to speed up the implementation of preventive measures, and draft documents to offer instructions on dengue fever prevention for grassroots medical staff. The Ministry also asked provinces and cities to organize activities in response to the ASEAN Dengue Day (June 15).

The Ministry will conduct eight working groups to inspect dengue fever prevention and fighting in 16 key provinces and cities in the near future.

People are advised to kill mosquitoes and larvae and eliminate their shelters, while protecting themselves from mosquitoes by sleeping under mosquito nets. They must actively coordinate with the medical sector in spraying chemicals to control outbreaks and prevent epidemics. For those running a fever, you must go to a medical unit for a check-up and treatment, instead of staying at home.