Authorities keen to take sting out of elevated dengue cases

With the nation seemingly bringing the COVID-19 situation under control, health authorities are redoubling efforts to tackle the increased number of dengue fever cases reported around the country. 
Up to May 26 this year, 1,382 dengue fever infections and four deaths have been recorded in Laos, much higher than in 2019.
Vientiane has the highest infection rate in the country with 355 cases reported and two deaths,  Xayaboury province 80 cases and one death, and Khammuan province has recorded 118 infections and one death.
Standing Member of the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Associate Prof. Dr Phouthone Muongpak, revealed the figures during the daily media briefing on Tuesday.
According to a report by the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology of the Minister of Health, Attapeu province has recorded 192 dengue cases this year, Vientiane province 187, Borikhamxay 113, Savannakhet 92, Saravan 88, and Xekong province 47 cases. 
Luang Namtha province has had 29 infections, Oudomxay 25, Xaysomboun 25, Luang Prabang 13, Champassak seven, Phongsaly five, and Bokeo province four cases. No dengue cases have been reported in Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces. 
According to the Ministry of Health, five simple measures are advised as being the most effective method of dengue control. These are being practised by households in Laos and other Asean countries where dengue is prevalent. 
These measures consist of closing and sealing all unused containers, flushing out all water vessels, placing small guppy fish in water jars as these eat mosquito larvae, cleaning areas around homes, and, finally, remembering to do these four tasks each week.  
Dr Phouthone said every family should throw out any water that collects in jars, vases, and dishes and cover these vessels to prevent more water from filling them again.
Village heads, associations, charities, and monks are also crucial in the battle against dengue fever. Meanwhile, improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of dengue at hospitals and dispensaries is necessary to prevent unavoidable deaths. 
Local communities need to keep their surroundings clean while focusing on killing mosquitoes and their larva inside and near these areas.
Authorities have been raising public awareness as one of the key strategies in reducing the risk of dengue transmission, Dr Phouthone noted.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth 
(Latest Update May 28, 2020)