Ho Chi Minh City calls for joint dengue prevention efforts
VOV.VN - The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has called on individuals and communities to join forces in a campaign aimed at preventing and controlling dengue fever to mark the 14th ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15.
Upon addressing the launching ceremony in the southern city’s Tan Phu district, Dr. Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, deputy director of the department, said dengue fever is one of the most rapidly spreading infectious diseases.
The mosquito-borne disease remains a serious public health threat that can cause death, Dr. Chau said. The city is one of the most dengue affected localities nationwide, with a total of 3,251 cases of dengue recorded throughout 22 districts and Thu Duc city from the beginning of the year to May 19, he added.
Binh Chanh, Tan Phu, and Binh Tan districts all reported a high incidence rate of dengue infections per 100,000 people.
The department predicts that the number of infections will likely to rise from the rainy season that began in May until November.
The most effective measure to prevent dengue is to kill mosquitos and destroy their larvae wherever it is found at home or in workplaces, Dr. Chau said.
The involvement of individuals together with the health sector is also needed to fight the spread of dengue, he said.
The awareness raising campaign will serve to mobilise resources for measures to prevent and control dengue disease.
