Ho Chi Minh City has 6 deaths, 158 severe cases due to dengue fever

On the afternoon of May 12, at the meeting of the Steering Committee for Epidemic Prevention and Control Covid-19 and economic recovery of Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nguyen Hong Tam – Deputy Director in charge of the Center for Disease Control of Ho Chi Minh City said that as of 12 noon on May 12, Ho Chi Minh City had 7,129 cases of dengue fever, up 10.77 percent over the same period last year.

Of which, the number of severe cases was 158, an increase of more than 5 times over the same period. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has had 6 deaths from dengue fever, an increase of 200%. Mr. Tam emphasized, this is a very alarming epidemic. The health sector is closely monitoring the prevention work, regularly organizing inspection and urging delegations.

Many children are hospitalized due to dengue fever at Children’s Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

According to Mr. Nguyen Hong Tam, dengue fever has no preventive vaccine and specific treatment, unlike Covid-19 which has a vaccine and drug Molnupiravir, so the most important activity is still prevention.

Currently, the city is at the peak of the rainy season, it is necessary to prevent water stagnation, remove places and items that can create conditions for mosquitoes to lay eggs. People should note that if there are symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and pains without cause, or skin bleeding, they should soon go to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

Leaders of the Center for Disease Control of Ho Chi Minh City also informed that, as of this afternoon, Ho Chi Minh City has 1,283 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease. Calculating by number of cases, the week increased by 4 times compared to the average of previous weeks, but compared with the same period last year, it is still low, down 85%.

There are currently 2 severe cases and no cases dead. However, the city is not negligent, continuing to closely monitor to limit and prevent outbreaks.

By Health & Life