VIENTIANE, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Health has urged people countrywide to remain vigilant and help control the spread of dengue fever as the number of infected cases across the country continues to grow.

If people fall ill, they should suspect that dengue may be the cause of their illness and get a blood test at a hospital, the Lao Ministry of Health said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry advised 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.

As of Monday, 118 people have been diagnosed with dengue fever in the country.

The highest number of dengue patients is reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 35, while 25 cases were recorded in Attapeu province, and 16 cases in Luang Prabang province.

According to the World Health Organization, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections, with Thailand, Laos, the Philippines and Singapore also seeing high incidences. The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)