Vientiane City At High Risk Of Widespread Dengue Outbreak
Source: Vientiane Times
The Centre of Information and Education for Health says that 13 villages, including 11 in Xaysettha district, one in Sikhottabong district, and one in Chanthabouly district are at risk of a widespread outbreak of dengue fever.
In Xaysettha district, dengue has been reported in Chommany, Fai, Khamsavath, Nasangphai, Hongkae, Xoknoy, Phonxay, That Luang Neua, Nongnieng, Huakhua and Nonkhor Neua villages.
In Sikhottabong district, cases have been reported in Done Xingxou village while Chanthabouly district has experienced a surge in cases in Phontongsavath village.
On August 7, the Centre of Information and Education for Health, under the Ministry of Health, reported that 15,661 people had contracted dengue fever so far this year and 16 people are known to have died from the virus.
In the latest figures, five people in Vientiane contracted dengue, as well as four people in Attapeu province, three in Saravan province, one in Oudomxay province, two in Xieng Khuang province, and one in Luang Namtha province.
The Vientiane Health Department is urging everyone in the city to clear possible mosquito breeding grounds in an attempt to reduce the number of mosquitoes spreading dengue fever.
Residents are asked to get rid of all stagnant water from around their homes, as this is the main breeding ground for mosquitoes. The Centre for Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology has advised people to remove any water that has collected around refrigerators or in unused tyres, close or seal unused containers, flush out water vessels, and put small guppy fish in open water jars because these fish eat mosquito larvae.
People are also advised to clear weeds and long grass from around their houses, and make regular checks to ensure that no water has collected in low-lying spots or empty containers.
According to the Ministry of Health, these measures are advised as being the most effective method of dengue control and should be practised by all households.
There have been more cases of dengue fever this year than usual, according to the Centre for Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology.
