VIENTIANE, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Lao health authorities focus on fight against dengue fever, as the number of confirmed cases in the country continues to rise.

All provinces have set up special taskforces to combat dengue. All stagnant water is being removed to prevent dengue-carrying mosquitoes from breeding.

If people fall ill, they should suspect that dengue may be the cause of their illness and get a blood test at a hospital, according to a report from Lao Ministry of Health on Wednesday.

As of Wednesday, 3,504 people has been diagnosed with dengue fever and eight deaths were recorded.

The highest number of dengue patients is reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 736, while 409 cases were recorded in Vientiane province, and 399 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province.

The eight deaths included three in Lao capital Vientiane, two in Bolikhamxay, and one each in Khammuan, Xayaboury and Xieng Khuang provinces.

Lao health authorities advise that every family should throw out water that collects in jars, vases, and dishes and should cover such vessels to prevent more water from filling them up.

According to a Ministry of Health report, five simple measures are advised as being the most effective method of dengue control.

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. Enditem

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