Laos: Nationwide dengue fever outbreak

Event

According to health officials, at least 2426 confirmed cases of dengue fever, including 12 associated deaths, have been reported nationwide between January 1 and July 1. According to health officials, among the most affected areas are Savannakhet province. Further spread of the disease is expected in the coming months as the rainy season in Myanmar lasts from June to October.

Context

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. 

Advice

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