Quang Nam prevents dengue fever from the community

Turn over water-filled containers to prevent dengue fever. Photo: HQ

The Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City has issued a warning: The risk of a widespread dengue fever outbreak is entirely possible if localities do not proactively respond.

Warning from the epidemic cycle

A report from the Ministry of Health shows that from December 14, 2024 to February 17, 2025, Vietnam recorded 16,607 cases, including one death from dengue fever.

In 2024, Quang Nam province also witnessed the number of dengue fever cases double in just the last two months of the year, from 1,293 cases to 2,675 cases with outbreaks recorded in all localities. The erratic weather, alternating sunshine and rain, has created favorable conditions for the Aedes mosquito to breed - the main culprit causing dengue fever.

Compared to the peak of the epidemic in 2022 (nearly 13,000 cases), the number of cases in 2024 is lower, but the circulation of the DENV-2 virus type (warned to be related to severe cases and risk of death) makes experts unable to be subjective.

Dengue fever was detected during a blood test. Photo: XUAN HIEN

2025 is also the time when it is predicted to enter a new epidemic cycle, according to the 4-5 year rule of this disease. At this time, many southern provinces and cities have recorded an increase in the number of dengue fever cases. Notably, in March, in Ho Chi Minh City, an 11-year-old boy in Binh Chanh with underlying obesity was hospitalized in a state of dengue shock, severe respiratory failure, blood clotting disorder, and required continuous dialysis.

According to experts, climate change is one of the causes of the risk of an outbreak in 2025. In the Central region, unseasonal storms and floods during the dry season are the main causes of the increase in dengue fever.

Take drastic action

Faced with the above risks, on April 15, the Ministry of Health issued an official dispatch requesting provinces and cities to strengthen epidemic prevention and control. Immediately after that, the People's Committee of Quang Nam province also issued a specific directive, requesting departments, branches and local authorities to synchronously deploy control measures.

The Quang Nam Provincial Department of Health was assigned to preside over communication activities, closely monitor the epidemic situation and thoroughly handle outbreaks. A notable highlight is the requirement to spray chemicals on 100% of households in epidemic areas, using the correct technique, with vector index assessment before and after spraying to avoid wasting resources while ensuring effective epidemic prevention.

The health sector has also increased coordination with the Department of Education and Training to organize students to clean up at home and school; and train health workers at commune level and private facilities on how to admit, treat early and refer patients at the right time to reduce mortality rates. This is a practical action to avoid patients subjectively treating themselves at home, leading to complications.

Meanwhile, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is tasked with strengthening communication and encouraging people to turn water containers upside down, kill mosquito larvae, use mosquito nets and promptly go to medical facilities when having suspected symptoms. The Department of Finance is also responsible for advising on funding for chemical spraying and communication campaigns.

Clean up the environment to prevent dengue fever. Photo: T.KỀ

A notable highlight is the active participation of the community. In many localities such as Dien Ban, Nui Thanh, Tam Ky, the campaign "Green - Clean - Mosquito-Free Sunday" was launched, mobilizing thousands of union members to participate in general environmental sanitation. Neighborhood leaders also promoted the role of "community eyes and ears" to remind households to turn over pots, clear sewers, and keep residential areas clean.

According to the direction from the Provincial People's Committee, the District People's Committee needs to review and organize inspections of all tanks, water storage devices, and waste in risky areas to thoroughly eradicate mosquito larvae.

Experts also emphasized that dengue fever prevention cannot rely solely on the health sector. There needs to be changes in people's smallest behaviors, such as not leaving stagnant water in flower pots, cleaning up metal roofs and rain gutters, to prevent the chain of transmission.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/quang-nam-phong-chong-dich-benh-sot-xuat-huyet-tu-cong-dong-3153409.html