Dengue fever is on the rise

When children have a fever, they need to be taken immediately to a medical facility for examination and treatment advice. They should not be treated at home on their own.

According to the Provincial Center for Disease Control, currently preparing to enter the peak month of the dengue fever epidemic, the number of cases is continuously increasing rapidly in many provinces and cities, mainly concentrated in the southern provinces when in the first 18 weeks of the year, 21,674 dengue fever cases were recorded, an increase of 25.4% over the same period in 2022, with 4 deaths.

In Ca Mau province alone, the number of dengue fever cases recorded in 19 weeks was 299, an increase of 117% compared to the same period in 2022, with no deaths. Localities with high numbers of cases are Tran Van Thoi district, Dam Doi district and Ca Mau city. The reason for the increase is that the disease is currently at the beginning of the annual increase cycle and the weather has started to have rains, creating conditions for mosquito eggs to hatch and create larvae.

According to Dr. Doan Van Nam, Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Prevention - International Medical Quarantine, Provincial Center for Disease Control: “In the province, every year, the plan for the Launch Ceremony to respond to ASEAN Dengue Prevention Day on June 15 (Wormlarvae Eradication Campaign Round 1) is implemented; the Peak Month for Dengue Prevention is implemented in July and August every year (Wormlarvae Eradication Campaign Round 2); and mosquito larvae eradication is organized in high-risk communes during the peak season. Along with that, to suppress the epidemic, localities proactively spray chemicals extensively in areas at risk of outbreaks and successfully control the epidemic.”

Dengue fever has flu-like symptoms, usually lasting from 2-7 days. The incubation period is from 4-10 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the disease. The patient has a high fever and is often accompanied by symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle, bone or joint pain, rash, etc. When it progresses to severe dengue fever, the severe complication stage occurs on the 3rd-7th day after the onset of the disease. The body temperature decreases, but that does not mean that the patient is recovering. On the contrary, it is necessary to pay special attention to signs such as acute abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, shortness of breath, fatigue, and restlessness, because the disease can progress to severe dengue fever.

Dengue fever is a dangerous disease because there is currently no specific treatment. Therefore, when cases are detected early in the community and hospital, it is necessary to thoroughly handle the outbreak to prevent the disease from spreading and breaking out. In addition, departments, sectors and organizations actively support and coordinate with the health sector to inspect, monitor, communicate and handle the epidemic./.

Quynh Anh

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