Health Ministry orders enhanced dengue fever prevention and control
VOV.VN - The Ministry of Health has urged localities nationwide to ramp up efforts to prevent the further spread of dengue fever, which currently is in its peak season.
According to details provided by the Ministry, as of June 24 the country has recorded approximately 77,000 dengue cases, a total of 10,000 cases higher compared to the previous week. Of the figure, 30 deaths have so far been reported.
Furthermore, the Ministry also noted that it can now be considered the peak dengue season, with the highest number of cases being reported in the southern region and several central provinces and cities.
Moving forward, it forecasts that the number of dengue fever cases will continue to increase in the near future, with the disease potentially breaking out on a large scale if drastic measures are not put in place soon.
This comes after the Ministry dispatched seven teams to inspect anti-epidemic work being doing in hot-bed provinces for the June to July period.
The primary cause of the continued spread of dengue fever is the arrival of summer this year, which brings with it high temperatures and rainfall which creates favourable conditions for mosquitoes to breed. In addition, general awareness relating to disease prevention among the wider community is low.
To prevent the further spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends that people take several preventive measures, including sealing all water containers to ensure that mosquitoes do not lay eggs and changing the water of flower vases in homes. This is in addition to removing waste materials and natural water holes to stop mosquitoes from spawning, using bed nets, and wearing long-sleeve clothes to prevent mosquito bites.
Moreover, the Ministry of Health also mobilised the co-operation of other relevant branches and sectors as it seeks to clean up the environment and kill mosquitos impacting construction sites and public areas.
The Ministry has outlined that self-treating dengue fever patients should not use aspirin, ibuprofen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to reduce fever. In the event that people have symptoms, such as a sudden high fever, nose bleeds, a severe headache, or start vomiting blood, then they should immediately consult a doctor.