Households With Mosquito Larvae May Be Subject To Fines

Source: Vientiane Times

The Vientiane Health Department has instructed the capital’s nine district health offices to fine home owners if health authorities repeatedly find mosquito larvae in or around their property.

Department Director Dr Xayphone Nanthaphone said in the first instance of such an offence, home owners will have the error of their ways explained by officials, who will be on the lookout for larvae in containers as well as any stagnant water.

“However, a home owner could be fined by district health officials if mosquito larvae are found at their premises again and again,” she said.

Health officials say that a fine would be levied only as a last resort.

More importantly, they want all members of the public to participate in the dengue prevention campaign being rolled out by health authorities at all levels.

This requires people to clear potential breeding sites of dengue mosquitoes, such as old tyres, empty tins, flower vases, coconut shells and any empty containers that may be lying around and collect water.

Containers in bathrooms should be tightly closed to prevent mosquitoes laying eggs, while shrubs and long grass around houses should be trimmed because these provide a habitat for mosquitoes.

The Vientiane Health Department will work closely with district health offices on dengue control and has requested that information on the presence of larvae and the number of dengue patients be reported to the department quickly.

Officials say rapid reporting will help authorities to combat a dengue outbreak in the early stages.
On July 20, 538 new dengue infections were reported – the highest number to be reported in a single day this year.

In total, 5,429 dengue cases have been recorded in Vientiane this year, while five people have died from the virus.

Some 869 cases and two fatalities have been reported in Saravan province; Xekong has reported 799 cases; Attapeu 710 and three deaths; Luang Namtha 858; Savannakhet 410; Luang Prabang 327; Vientiane province 238; Oudomxay 199 and one death; Champassak 153; Khammuan 159; Xayaboury 197; Borikhamxay 45; Xieng Khuang 26 and one death; Xaysomboun 18; Bokeo 19; Phongsaly 7; and Huaphan 8.

As of July 20, a total of 10,469 dengue cases had been recorded this year while 12 people have died.