Dengue fever claims 10 lives in Ho Chi Minh City

In a warning released on Wednesday, the city’s Center for Disease Control (HCDC) said that 15,538 dengue cases were logged in the year to July 13, marking a 159.4-percent rise from a year earlier and resulting in 10 deaths.

Geographically, the current Ho Chi Minh City encompasses the former provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau following administrative mergers.

Within the original city limits, 11,914 cases were reported, or a 167.1-percent increase, including 222 severe cases and six fatalities.

The former Binh Duong area recorded 2,695 cases with three deaths, while the former Ba Ria–Vung Tau region reported the remaining numbers.

The current situation indicates that the dengue outbreak is becoming more widespread, the HCDC warned.

The agency urged prompt coordination and action from local authorities, the health sector, and the community to curb the outbreak and ensure early detection for timely treatment.

The public is urged to stay vigilant and adhere to dengue prevention protocols at home, in communities, and in public areas.

Typical symptoms include a high fever lasting two to seven days, often accompanied by hemorrhagic signs such as petechial spots, bleeding from gums or nose, and bruising, according to the HCDC.

Those with fever persisting beyond two to three days without improvement are urged to seek medical attention immediately rather than self-medicate, as early intervention can prevent progression to severe dengue.

As dengue fever is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the most effective prevention is to eliminate mosquitoes and their breeding grounds in slow-moving or stagnant water sources, doctors said.

People are advised to protect themselves from bites by using mosquito nets, repellents, electric swatters, and similar tools.

The public is also encouraged to actively support health teams during larval elimination campaigns and chemical spraying efforts.