Ho Chi Minh City Faces Dengue Surge with Six Deaths
Authorities Issue Urgent Alert as Rainy Season Fuels Mosquitoes
Ho Chi Minh City is on high alert as a significant spike in dengue fever cases, coinciding with the rainy season, has resulted in six fatalities. The HCM City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) reported a dramatic increase in infections, raising concerns about a potential public health crisis.
Record Infections Amidst Rainfall
The HCDC confirmed 838 new dengue infections in the past week, bringing the year’s total to 14,370. This represents an alarming rise of over 153 percent compared to the same period last year. Tragically, six deaths have been attributed to the disease, with two occurring in the formerly designated Bình Dương area and one in the former Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu region, both recently integrated into the city.
Central districts within the city have reported the majority of cases, exceeding 11,000. Bình Dương has documented nearly 2,500 cases, while Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu has recorded 862. Health officials are particularly worried as the city enters its peak transmission period, with abundant rainfall creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
Preventive Measures Intensify
Recognizing the critical juncture, the HCDC is implementing stringent control measures. These include widespread larvicide spraying, public awareness campaigns, and rigorous inspections of high-risk zones. The agency stressed the importance of community involvement in combating the outbreak.
“This is a critical time. Without aggressive control of mosquito breeding sites, we could face a serious surge in hospitalisations, especially among children.”
—HCDC Statement
Residents are strongly encouraged to eliminate standing water around their homes, maintain clean water containers, and report potential mosquito breeding grounds through the “Online Healthcare” application. Key preventive actions involve sealing or emptying unused containers, regularly changing water in vases and ornamental ponds, and utilizing guppies in ponds to consume mosquito larvae.
Public Urged to Cooperate
The use of insect repellents, mosquito nets, sprays, and electric swatters is also recommended for personal protection. Authorities are appealing to the public to actively participate in citywide anti-mosquito initiatives and to grant access to fumigation teams for effective pest control. Early medical attention for dengue symptoms is crucial, and self-treatment at home should be avoided, especially for children and the elderly, to prevent complications.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue cases globally have surged dramatically in recent decades, with a significant increase reported in Southeast Asia. For instance, the Philippines declared a national dengue epidemic in 2019, highlighting the scale of the threat posed by this mosquito-borne illness (World Health Organization).
Health officials are maintaining close surveillance of the situation and implore all residents to remain vigilant and cooperative to curb further spread and prevent additional fatalities.
