Dengue fever cases on the rise in Khánh Hòa

KHÁNH HÒA — The number of patients infected with dengue fever has increased considerably in the central coastal province of Khánh Hòa, Việt Nam News Agency reported.

Since late last year and in the first two months of this year, the province has reported 3,275 cases of dengue fever, increasing 773 per cent compared with the same period last year.

A provincial health inspection found that residents in Diên Khánh District are using open water tanks, which are fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes and larva.

Health workers sprayed chemicals to kill mosquitoes and instructed people on how to prevent the spread of the disease.

About 322 cases of dengue fever had been reported in all 19 communes in Diên Khánh District.

Earlier, the provincial inspection team also checked the situation in Nha Trang City.

The inspection revealed a number of construction sites and households had uncovered water tanks, helping mosquitoes reproduce quickly.

The city has recorded 1,993 cases of dengue fever, increasing by 818 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The provincial health sector has directed localities to launch mosquito and larva eradication campaigns.

The health facilities were urged to increase inspections, promptly detect and prepare plans to help localities with dengue fever outbreaks, spray chemicals widely in dengue-hit areas to stamp out the epidemic. — VNS