According to the latest figures released by the Da Nang Preventive Medicine Centre, as of 9 September, a total of 1,923 cases of dengue fever had been recorded in the city.

Spraying anti-mosquito chemical at a family in Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Khanh Nam Ward

In particular, 521 of the recent cases were recorded in Lien Chieu District, 324 in Thanh Khe District, 281 in Hai Chau District, and 236 in Cam Le District, whilst the remainder were in other districts.

So far this year, a total of 152 hot spots for outbreaks of this disease have been identified locally, 118 of which have been discovered between July and September.

Dr Ton That Thanh, Director of the municipal Preventive Medicine Centre, remarked the city has seen a significant increase in the number of dengue fever cases since August. He added every week an average of 100 cases of dengue fever were reported in the city, the highest number has been recorded this year.

“Although the total number of cases of this disease in the city so far this year has slightly lowered than the figure of the same period last year, the city is likely to face a high risk of possible outbreaks from now until the end of the year. Therefore, the Department of Health is in need of joint efforts made by local authorities and residents”, Mr Thanh added.

However, he warned that many residents have yet to be made aware of dengue fever prevention measures as they donot allow medical workers to spray anti-mosquito chemicals at their own houses.

Dr Thanh suggested that the municpal authorities should encourage their residents to clear up any grassy or bushy areas near their homes, and to remove sources of standing water which can become mosquito breeding grounds in order to deal with the complicated development of this disease.

Mr Nguyen Van Khanh, Head of the Preventive Medicine Team in Lien Chieu District, noted his locality has cooperated with local primary and junior high schools to publicise widely the epidemic amongst their pupils, as well as raise their awareness about clearing up bushy areas near their homes and schools.