Number of dengue fever cases in Hanoi triples

A representative of the Hanoi Center for Disease Control said the capital has been recording cases earlier this year, even when dengue fever is supposed to circulate from July to November. The number of cases average to 17-24 every week. Dong Da District recorded the highest number of cases at 81, followed by Ha Dong at 58, Hoang Mai at 43 and Hai Ba Trung at 32.

Experts said there have not been many changes to the characteristics and virulence among the recorded cases compared to previous years'. However, outbreaks had happened as certain areas have failed to prevent them. Abnormal weather patterns, including rain and dampness, have also helped mosquitoes to thrive.

The center said more people will get infected with dengue fever in the coming times, and that people should not let their guard down. The Department of Health is currently thinking up measures to respond to outbreaks.

Last year, Hanoi recorded 37,441 dengue fever cases, 2.4 times more than in 2022. Four deaths were recorded.

Globally, the number of new dengue fever cases has increased by 30 times over the last 50 years, according to the WHO. An estimated 50-100 million cases are recorded worldwide every year.

There is currently no vaccine for dengue fever while treatments mostly deal with symptoms.