Report HCM City Faces Dengue Fever Surge with Over 8,500 Cases

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Picture courtesy of Vietnam News

 

Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing a 131% increase in dengue fever cases compared to last year, with more than 8,500 recorded cases so far. This surge marks the beginning of the peak dengue season, typically starting in mid-June.

 

Recent data from the HCM City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention shows 766 hospitalisations between May and mid-June, including around 420 cases transferred from other provinces. Currently, over 290 severe cases are being treated, though no fatalities have been reported.

 

To combat this rise, the city's Department of Health has issued proactive warnings about potential outbreaks. The city’s People’s Committee has also outlined a comprehensive plan for disease prevention until the end of July, involving the entire community.

 

Key strategies include:

 

• Weekly mosquito larvae eradication campaigns.
• Enhanced community surveillance and communication for behaviour change.
• Environmental cleanup initiatives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

 

Coinciding with the 15th ASEAN Dengue Prevention and Control Day on June 15, efforts to raise public awareness have intensified. The health sector is coordinating with local authorities to engage volunteers and residents in removing water containers prone to mosquito breeding.

 

Medical facilities like the Tropical Diseases Hospital and children’s hospitals are re-training staff on the Ministry of Health’s dengue fever guidelines, focusing on early recognition of warning signs and severe cases.

 

Efforts are also underway to ensure a steady supply of medical essentials like infusion fluids and chemicals to manage and reduce severe cases.

 

These concerted actions aim to curb the dengue epidemic, protecting public health through community involvement and enhanced healthcare preparedness.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-06-18