When it comes to rainy season, Da Nang urges caution about the high potential of dengue fever outbreaks in the city due to wet and humid conditions creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. More rain means more potential for puddles, and more potential for mosquito breeding. Most recently, the municipal Department of Health has actively coordinated with relevant units to take preventive measures for dengue fever in the city

Spraying an anti-mosquito chemical at residential areas in Son Tra District's An Hai Dong Ward. Photo: LE HUNG

Active prevention and control measures for dengue fever

According to the latest statistics released by the Da Nang Center for Disease Control (CDC), since the start of this year, a total of 272 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Da Nang, but there have been no deaths to date. Particularly, the city recorded 51 cases between October 11 and 17, up by 39 cases a weak earlier. Localities with an increasing number of dengue fever cases compared to last week are Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, Lien Chieu, Cam Le and Hoa Vang.

That period has seen a few number of patients admitted to medical facilities citywide for treatment. However, there have been still some serious cases because patients have preferred to treat themselves at home, making the disease worsen.

Mr Dang Quang Anh, Deputy Director of  CDC Da Nang, said that dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, which are widely distributed in subtropical and tropical areas of the world.

He stressed the need for people to take the initiative in cleaning and sanitizing their living places, regularly killing mosquito larva. He suggested local residents clear up any grassy or bushy areas near their homes, as well as remove sources of standing water which can become mosquito breeding grounds.

In addition, children should pay attention to wearing long-sleeved clothes while playing and sleeping, and should not play in dark and humid places. Another way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect repellents.

"Most of people have been still subjective with this mosquito-borne tropical disease because the symptoms of dengue fever are quite similar to other common febrile illness. Therefore, people have been advised to bring their family members to hospital for medical examinations and blood tests in order to have exact treatment regimen from the beginning of the disease" advised Mr Anh.

Hand foot mouth disease in children

In addition to dengue fever, seasonal changes also make hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) appear more.

From the beginning of 2021 to now, a combined total of 427 cases of HFMD, but there have been no deaths.

Early symptoms of this disease in children include mild fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, sore throat, cough, abdominal pain, and red rash on the skin.

" The most effective way to prevent HFMD is to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Avoid close contact with individuals sick with HFMD and clean contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner or one containing alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride" said Mr Anh.

He also advised that parents should wash their hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before cooking and feeding their children, and after changing diapers. The intention is to reduce the risk of getting infected with HFMD.

Mr Anh also warned that parents should take preventive measures as the peak season might extend into next months. If children have a fever for two days and experience vomiting, they should be taken to the nearest health facilities for examination and treatment.

Reporting by LE HUNG - Translating by MAI DUNG