Vietnam records over 24,000 dengue infections this year

The number of infections throughout several localities has increased many times compared to the same period last year, with the outbreak reaching its peak in the southern provinces of Tra Vinh and An Giang.

Since the beginning of the year, Tra Vinh has logged 217 cases, marking an increase of nearly seven times over the same period in 2022. The provincial Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital has received 122 cases alone, including 10 severe ones.

Meanwhile, An Giang discovered 1,087 cases, 52 cases higher compared to the same period last year.

Local health care facilities have been asked to take measures to combat the outbreak, and at the same time ensure adequate medicine and equipment to treat patients.

Elsewhere, the capital of Hanoi has so far this year recorded 197 cases, representing an increase of 19 times year on year, with infections detected in 26 out of 30 districts, although no deaths have been reported.

According to doctors, people suffering from mild dengue fever can be monitored and treated as outpatients at home.

Patients suffering from body aches, pains, and fever need to use antipyretics and analgesic, but should avoid drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen because they may cause bleeding. They should also not use antibiotics and arbitrarily transfuse fluids such as protein, albumin, or high molecular solutions.

Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids, eat well, and rest, and symptoms will disappear over five days.

 There is no vaccine for dengue fever and no specific treatment available. The main and most effective preventive measures are to kill mosquitoes and mosquito larvae, and prevent mosquito bites.