Vietnam: Increase in dengue fever cases in 2017

Event

Health officials announced on January 24 that the number of dengue cases increased by 51 percent in 2017, to a total of 184,741. At least 32 deaths associated with the disease were also reported. In 2016, 122,020 cases of dengue fever were reported, including 43 deaths.

The Ministry of Health has ordered the release of mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia pipientis bacteria in Vinh Luong, Nha Trang city, and central Khanh Hoa, a move aimed at culling the population of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are responsible for the spread of dengue fever.

Context

Dengue fever outbreaks occur on a regular basis in Vietnam, with most cases of the mosquito-borne disease found in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Vietnam are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).