VIENTIANE, Laos, July 9 (NNN-KPL) – Lao Ministry of Health, advised people throughout the country, to clear potential mosquito breeding sites, as an outbreak of dengue fever has claimed 27 lives and more than 11,000 people have contracted the virus so far this year.
The warning comes this week, after more cases of dengue fever surfaced. Most of the infections and deaths were recorded in the capital and the southern provinces of Laos, local daily Vientiane Times reported today (Tuesday).
“We have sent some specialists from the capital to discuss the control of dengue with health staff in the south of the country,” Minister of Health, Bounkong Syhavong, said.
On Sunday, 11,561 people had been diagnosed with dengue fever and 27 have died around the country, since the beginning of 2019, according to the ministry’s Communicable Disease Control Department.
“The weather conditions this year could lead to a widespread dengue outbreak, if measures are not put in place to control the virus,” Bounkong said.
To prevent and contain the disease, Bounkong encouraged the Lao government and private sectors, especially health departments around the country, to step up publicity campaigns, to prevent the spread of the virus. The minister advised health workers to educate individuals and communities, so that they understand the dangers of the disease and take active steps to prevent it.
In addition, health departments are advised to encourage related entities to campaign about dengue and raise awareness of preventive measures in districts and dispensaries. Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools are advised to clear out any stagnant water that could harbour mosquito larvae, on a weekly basis.
In addition, improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of dengue at provincial and district hospitals and dispensaries is necessary, to prevent unavoidable deaths.
“If you fall ill at this time of the year, you should consider the fact that dengue could be the likely cause. Please try to go to a hospital for a diagnosis as quickly as possible. Don’t try to buy medicine at a pharmacy and take it at home,” said Bounkong.
Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore are also seeing high numbers of dengue cases.
According to the World Health Organisation, dengue is one of the fastest emerging infections and is currently the most rapidly spreading viral disease known. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available to prevent death.– NNN-KPL