Ho Chi Minh City reports no abnormal increase in COVID-19 cases

The municipal department also said the COVID-19 situation in both Vietnam and globally remains stable.

While some regions have recorded seasonal increases in infections during the summer months, there has been no corresponding surge in severe illness or deaths.

According to the Ministry of Health, several healthcare facilities have reported an increase in patient visits and treatment for COVID-19, although the trend has not been consistent across localities.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the infectious disease surveillance system has detected no abnormal fluctuations in case numbers.

Hospital admissions remain stable, with no patients requiring respiratory support and no COVID-19-related deaths reported.

Health officials said all confirmed cases have experienced only mild symptoms, while hospitalized patients have underlying medical conditions and have recovered well following treatment.

Genomic sequencing conducted in July found that the NB.1.8.1 variant, including its SV.1.1 and RK.1 sublineages, continued to dominate locally, alongside the XFG.1.1 subvariant of XFG.

The findings were unchanged from the city's previous surveillance conducted in May.

The World Health Organization classifies both NB.1.8.1 and XFG as Omicron sublineages currently circulating worldwide.

They remain under monitoring, with no evidence indicating they cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.

The municipal Department of Health urges residents to continue adopting preventive measures, including wearing face masks in public places, enclosed spaces, public transportation and healthcare facilities.

Residents should maintain good respiratory hygiene, wash hands regularly, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, avoid unnecessary large gatherings, follow a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.

Dengue cases continue to rise

While COVID-19 remains under control, dengue fever continues to pose a growing public health challenge in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control, the city recorded 995 dengue cases from July 20 to 26, a 20-percent increase compared with the average of the previous four weeks.

From the beginning of the year to July 26, the city reported over 23,480 dengue infections, up 23.9 percent year on year.