Vietnam Central Highlands Rings Alarm Bell on Dengue Fever

Vietnam’s Central Highlands region has recorded nearly 900 cases of dengue fever since the beginning of this year, up over 20% from the same period last year, state media reported Feb 22. The Central Highlands Institute of Epidemic Prevention showed that the largest numbers of dengue infections were found in the provinces of Gia Lai and Dak Lak. Health experts attributed the rise in dengue fever to the rapid change in weather conditions and erratic temperature fluctuations in the region. In response, local authorities have enacted measures to prevent the disease’s spread such as raising public awareness and spraying mosquito repellent in high-risk areas, in addition to setting up inspection groups, opening training courses for medical staff and destroying mosquito lava. Vietnam saw a spike of dengue fever cases across the country last year. As of Oct 19, 2015, 32 people died from dengue fever. During the 2008-2010 period, the country reported an average of 100,000 dengue fever cases including 100 fatal cases each year. (VietnamPlus Feb 22)