The sharp rise in cases poses significant pressure on the city’s healthcare system in terms of disease treatment and outbreak control, said the department at a review meeting on July 21.

According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) Le Hong Nga, southern localities have logged nearly 34,000 dengue infections since the start of the year, an increase of 80% compared to the same period in 2024.

Ho Chi Minh City alone recorded 15,502 cases, almost half the total, with 6 deaths in the former administrative area. All of the victims were adults who had not been vaccinated against the disease. Notably, 5 of these individuals had underlying conditions and 3 were obese.

In addition, the former Binh Duong province reported 2,659 cases and 3 deaths, including 2 children, while the former Ba Ria – Vung Tau province witnessed 929 cases with 1 death.

HCDC noted that the trend this year shows an increasing proportion of adult cases. However, the 11–15 age group remains at the highest risk of developing severe symptoms.

An official of the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases said the hospital is currently treating about 200 patients with dengue fever per day. Up to 20% of these cases are severe, and four to five patients consistently require mechanical ventilation. Late detection of severe cases and unsafe patient transfers are believed to be two of the causes of death.

The official noted that treating adult patients is becoming increasingly difficult and proposed that general hospitals with strong intensive care units help manage severe dengue cases.

Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital received two to three dengue cases each night, some of whom require mechanical ventilation.

Associate Professor Dr. Tang Chi Thuong, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, called for the implementation of comprehensive measures to reduce the number of infections and deaths.

He emphasised the importance of eradicating mosquitoes and larvae, monitoring high-risk areas, and publicly communicating disease prevention efforts. He also called for strict penalties for violations of epidemic prevention regulations.

In terms of treatment, hospitals are required to review and classify dengue cases by severity to promptly identify severe and high-risk patients. Training in dengue treatment should be provided for general practitioners and internists, along with intensive care training for dengue cases at specialized levels. Hospitals must report all cases, prepare necessary medications and chemicals, and strictly adhere to treatment protocols.

Thuong also directed the development of treatment scenarios for severe cases in the city’s key areas after the administrative merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. He urged the swift deployment of additional hospitals with the capacity for dengue intensive care to help reduce the burden on the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

The Department of Health will advise the City People's Committee to implement specific measures citywide to control the outbreak, reduce new infections, and minimize fatalities early on. Proactive epidemiological surveillance, public warning communications, and treatment facility readiness are considered key priorities in the coming months, as the number of cases is expected to rise.

Dak Lak reports first fatal case of dengue this year

VOV.VN - The Center for Disease Control in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak (CDC Dak Lak) confirmed on July 19 the province’s first dengue-related death this year.