Health Minister inspects dengue fever situation in Da Nang

According to a report released by Da Nang city’s Department of Health, from the beginning of the year to September 15, the city recorded a total of 4,257 cases of dengue fever, a 2.73 fold increase in comparison to the same period last year.

This rise means the city is ranked third among 11 provinces within the central region in terms of the number of infected cases. Localities that reported a high number of cases include Thanh Khe, Hai Chau, Lien Chieu, and Son Tra.

According to Dr. Ton That Thanh, Director of Da Nang City’s Centre for Disease Control, the rising number of dengue fever cases with complicated developments can be attributed to the start of the rainy season, in addition to the humid climate.

Furthermore, there remains a lack of awareness among local residents regarding the need to kill mosquito larvae, whilst efforts to combat the disease have not been effectively co-ordinated with the health sector. 

The city has so far treated a total of 4,257 cases of the disease, in addition to 435 outbreaks in line with standard procedures. This includes eradicating mosquito larvae and spraying chemicals at 222 high-risk areas in order to kill mosquitoes. Mosquito repellents were sprayed in 439 educational facilities, central bus stations, markets, and other public areas.

The municipal People's Committee launched a campaign aimed at eliminating larvae and set up a team of 1,809 members in a bid to raise awareness among residents about the preventive measures that can be taken in the fight against the epidemic.

Hospitals across the city have also devised plans to purchase equipment and medicines to aid in prevention work and serve patients more efficiently during the peak season. 

Minister Tien stated that the city has effectively implemented instructions given by the General Department of Preventive Medicine and the Ministry of Health regarding the eradication of mosquito larvae.

It is imperative  to strengthen surveillance and early detection of the disease, whilst thoroughly treating cases and outbreaks in accordance with procedures. Moreover, local residents should be mobilised to actively participate in eliminating larvae while medical workers should update the Ministry of Health’s new guidelines to diagnose and treat cases of dengue fever, she stressed.