Dengue Outbreak In Vietnam: The Capital City Worst Hit With 258 New Mosquito-Borne Infections

Local health stations in Hanoi have instructed residents to strengthen early detection of dengue fever and ensure timely response to emerging cases, particularly in high-risk communities.

The dengue outbreak in Vietnam’s Hanoi is roaring back to life with multiple new cases being reported. On Monday, a local news agency reported 258 new infections between September 12 to 19, a sharp rise compared to the 190 cases recorded in the previous week.

33 Active Dengue Hotspots In Hanoi, Vietnam

According to the Hanoi Centres for Disease Control, so far, the city has identified altogether 19 new outbreaks, bringing the total number of active hotspots to 33. Beginning this year, dengue cases in Vietnam’s two biggest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, have only been increasing, with the worst hit in the capital, which has recorded 1,884 cases of dengue fever so far

Vietnam health authorities have warned that dengue cases in the capital city are likely to rise with the annual epidemic cycle. Local health stations have instructed the residents to strengthen early detection and ensure timely response to emerging cases, particularly in high-risk communities.

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral illness that is spread to people from mosquitoes carrying one of four types of dengue virus (DENV). The virus is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Central and South America, Africa, parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Experts suggest that this viral infection is not contagious from person to person, except when a pregnant woman passes it to her child.

Symptoms Of Dengue

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that most people either get mild or no symptoms but if they appear, it rarely get severe or lead to fatality. A person suffering from dengue typically shows symptoms after 4 days of being bitten by an infectious mosquito. Symptoms may include:

High fever 40 C/104 F
Headache
Experience pain behind the eyes
Pain in the muscle and joint
Dizziness
Vomiting
Swollen glands
Red rashes all over the body

Interestingly, the global health organization claims that people who are infected for the second time are at a higher risk of getting severe dengue. The symptoms of severe dengue may include:

Serious abdominal pain
Vomiting very frequently
Rapid breathing
Blood in the gums or nose
Tiredness
Restlessness
Blood in vomit or stool
Being very thirsty
Pale and cold skin
Feeling weak and fragile

Tips To Prevent Dengue

Although dengue fever is not contagious, it is crucial to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially during this time of the year. Here’s a guideline from the WHO to lower your risk of getting dengue:

Ensure wearing clothes that cover as much of your body as possible
Do not forget to use mosquito nets, ideally sprayed with insect repellent, while sleeping
Always keep mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535) coils and vaporizers
Cover your windows with screens to prevent mosquitoes and insects from entering your indoor space.

How To Take Care Of Dengue Patients

Here’s what you can do if you have been diagnosed with dengue or know someone who is infected with the viral infection:

Resting is priority
Ensure to drink plenty of fluids like water, coconut water, etc.
The global health organization suggests using acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin
Keep an eye for severe symptoms and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any.

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