Laos records more than 30,000 dengue fever cases, 17 deaths

The Lao Ministry of Health said the number of dengue fever cases in Laos as of October 12 had increased to more than 30,000 cases, with 17 deaths.

According to the Ministry, Oudomxay province in northern Laos has the most patients with over 5,000 cases out of a total of 30,323 infections nationwide, followed by the capital Vientiane with nearly 4,500 cases.

Lao health officials are asking people to be cautious and take preventive measures against the disease, especially during the rainy season from May to mid-October, when dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed the most.

In addition, people are also advised to keep their houses clean, use mosquito nets and spray insecticide, clean up unused water containers and clear bushes to limit mosquito breeding grounds.

According to Lao media, thanks to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of dengue fever and efforts to raise public awareness of the dangers of the disease, Laos has had much success in limiting the number of avoidable deaths from dengue fever in recent years.

In 2013, Laos recorded a record number of dengue fever cases with more than 44,000 cases, including 95 deaths.

In 2022, the number of dengue cases dropped sharply to 32,000 cases, with 24 deaths.

However, health officials in this country still recommend that people be extremely vigilant and suggest that those with symptoms of infection should quickly go to medical facilities for examination and treatment, and not arbitrarily use drugs without the advice and prescription of a doctor.