With the rainy season approaching, dengue fever outbreaks are on the rise.
According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam has reported about 13,000 cases of dengue fever so far this year, an increase of about 2.3 times compared to the same period in 2022. The number of cases is increasing, mainly in the central and southern regions, the Ministry of Preventive Medicine reported. But Hanoi is no exception.
The Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported 172 cases of dengue fever in 23 out of 30 districts, a 20-fold increase over the same period last year.
The Ministry of Health said abnormal weather contributed to the increase in the number of cases. In general, dengue fever is not present in large numbers until the rainy season. It added that cases are expected to surge soon as the rainy season approaches.
On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare asked the region to step up environmental cleanup efforts to contain the outbreak. He added that medical facilities should have enough medicines and equipment to treat patients.
Vietnam recorded more than 361,000 cases of dengue fever last year, with 133 deaths. There have been more than 19,000 cases of dengue fever in Hanoi alone.
There is no effective treatment for dengue fever, and treatment primarily addresses the symptoms. Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, and bleeding.
