Dengue Fever Outbreak Claims Seven Lives

Source: Vientiane Times

Seven people have died following a nationwide outbreak of dengue fever in the first six months of this year with Champassak province having the most cases.

Director of the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology Dr Phengta Vongphachanh told Vientiane Times yesterday that from January 1 to June 10 this year more than 900 cases of dengue fever have been recorded around the country and from these seven people have reportedly died.

Champassak is taking the brunt of the outbreak with six deaths recorded and most of the reported cases were in Soukhouma district. Saravan also reported one death.

Vientiane has also recorded 78 cases but no deaths.

According to the centre there were a total of 1,950 dengue cases nationwide last year but no deaths recorded.

Dr PhengtaVongphachanh said so far the four provinces of Phongsaly, Huaphan, Xieng Khuang and Xaysomboun had not reported any outbreak.

Currently, the Ministry of Health has approved 800 million kip for dengue prevention nationwide. Officials and health authorities are urging people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help curb the spread of the virus.

The officials and local health authorities will concentrate promoting the regular emptying of containers that collect standing water, and the clearing of any undergrowth around homes.

Every family should throw out water that collects in jars, vases and dishes and should cover such vessels to prevent more water filling them up. Schools, hospitals, factories, hotels, restaurants, tourist facilities and offices should organise cleaning activities to remove any sources of stagnant water to slow mosquito breeding.

Dengue is an infectious tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes and characterised by rashes, severe headaches, and pain in the joints. The mosquitoes doing the damage are the Aedesaegypti and Aedesalbopictus species.