VIENTIANE, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The number of dengue cases in Laos surpassed 10,000 on Thursday, according to data released by the Lao Ministry of Health.

According to data released by the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health, the country reported 538 new cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infections to 10,469 with 12 deaths recorded.

The highest number of dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 5,429, with 869 cases in Saravan and 858 cases in Luang Namtha province.

The 12 deaths included five in Vientiane, three in Attapeu, two in Saravan, and two more in Oudomxay and Xieng Khuang province.

The health ministry urged authorities and people countrywide to remain vigilant and help control the spread of dengue fever.

People were asked to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help control the spread of the disease.

If people fall ill, they should suspect that dengue may be the cause of their illness and get a blood test at a hospital, authorities said.

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

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