Dengue fever cases surge in Southern Vietnam

IANS May 16, 2025 412 views

Dengue fever cases in Ho Chi Minh City have surged dramatically, marking a 136% increase compared to last year. The city’s health authorities are on high alert as the dengue season begins earlier than expected due to the onset of the rainy season. Residents are urged to take preventive measures seriously, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and using mosquito nets. These efforts are crucial to controlling the expected rise in dengue infections during this period.

"Residents must eliminate breeding sites to curb dengue spread." - Ho Chi Minh City's Centre for Disease Control
Dengue fever cases surge in Southern Vietnam
Hanoi, May 16: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's southern economic hub, has recorded 7,398 cases of dengue fever from the beginning of 2025 to May 11, a 136 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, Vietnam News Agency reported Friday.

Key Points

1

Ho Chi Minh City sees 136% dengue increase since 2024

2

Dengue season arrives early, raising outbreak fears

3

Proactive measures urged: remove stagnant water, use nets

Experts warned that the dengue season has arrived earlier this year than usual and may carry a heightened risk of widespread outbreaks, according to the city's Centre for Disease Control.

Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces have entered the rainy season, which typically marks the start of the annual rise in dengue infections.

Health authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to prevent the spread of the disease, said the centre.

Recommended measures include eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water, killing larvae, sleeping under mosquito nets and clearing water containers and drains.

Vietnam reported 24,900 dengue fever cases and three deaths in the first four months of 2025, according to the National Statistics Office, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the World Health Organisation, dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection common in warm, tropical climates. It is caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses (called serotypes), which can lead to a broad spectrum of symptoms, including some that are extremely mild (unnoticeable) to those who may require medical intervention and hospitalisation. In severe cases, fatalities can occur. There is no treatment for the infection itself, but the symptoms that a patient experiences can be managed.

In 2023, the WHO graded dengue as a Grade 3 emergency after outbreaks increased in several countries. Dengue epidemics tend to have seasonal patterns, with transmission often peaking during and after rainy seasons. Several factors contribute to this increase, including high mosquito population levels, susceptibility to circulating serotypes, favourable air temperatures, precipitation and humidity, all of which affect the reproduction and feeding patterns of mosquito populations, as well as the dengue virus incubation period.

Unplanned urbanisation and climatic factors such as heat waves and high temperatures have increased the intensity, frequency, duration and distribution of dengue in recent years. Lack of sustained surveillance and control interventions, as well as staff shortage, are some of the other challenges. The absence of an integrated programmatic approach continues to affect countries.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is really concerning! We faced similar dengue outbreaks in Delhi last year. Vietnam should learn from India's experience - fogging and public awareness campaigns helped us control the spread. Stay safe neighbors! 🙏
R
Rahul S.
The numbers are alarming! Climate change is making these outbreaks worse across Asia. Our government should collaborate with Vietnam on mosquito control research - after all, dengue doesn't respect borders.
A
Anjali M.
Why isn't there more focus on developing better vaccines? My cousin suffered terribly from dengue last monsoon. We need global cooperation to tackle this menace. Vietnam and India should work together on this.
V
Vikram P.
The article mentions unplanned urbanization as a factor - same problem we have in Indian cities. Maybe our municipal corporations can share best practices with Ho Chi Minh City authorities? Prevention is better than cure!
S
Sanjay T.
While we should sympathize, let's not forget our own dengue problems. Last year Kolkata had terrible outbreaks. Our health budget needs more allocation for vector-borne diseases instead of just reacting when crisis hits.
N
Neha R.
The rainy season brings so many health challenges across South Asia 😔 Simple measures like covering water tanks and using mosquito nets can make big difference. Hope Vietnam authorities conduct proper awareness drives like our ASHA workers do.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags: