Dengue Fever Outbreak in Laos Reaches Alarming Proportions: 18,000 Infected, 11 Lives Lost and Counting
Dengue Fever Outbreak in Laos: 18,105 Cases Reported
Xinhua news agency reported from Vientiane, Laos, on November 2 that the Lao Ministry of Public Health has reported a significant outbreak of dengue fever in the country, with at least 18,105 people affected and 11 deaths since January this year.
The capital city of Vientiane has been the hardest hit, with at least 5,710 people contracting the disease, followed by Sekong province. Luang Prabang province has also seen a significant number of cases, with at least 3,953 people affected, and 1,769 cumulative patients.
Regarding the fatalities, Luang Prabang province has reported 4 deaths, while the capital Vientiane has reported 3 deaths. Sekong province and Luang Namtha province have each reported 2 deaths, and Vientiane province has reported 1 death.
The Lao Ministry of Public Health has urged public health officials and medical personnel across the country to improve their management of dengue fever patients to prevent a more severe epidemic. Medical personnel in health centers and hospitals at the district and subdistrict levels must increase their knowledge and provide efficient services to the public.