94th joint patrol on Mekong River completed; Laos reports 22 more dengue cases


KUNMING/VIENTINAE, June 27 (Xinhua): The 94th Mekong River joint patrol by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand has concluded and the three Chinese law enforcement vessels returned home.

A total of 107 law enforcement officers from the four countries participated in the mission aboard four vessels, which navigated 654 km in four days and three nights, according to the Yunnan provincial public security department.

The three returning vessels rushed to join the rescue when the law enforcement officers were informed of a boat sinking in Xishuangbanna in Yunnan on Thursday, according to the department.

The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping among China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been carrying out joint patrols on the Mekong River for eight years.

On Saturday morning, Laos Ministry of Health reported 22 new confirmed cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infections to 2,149 on Friday evening.

The highest number of dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 476, while 303 cases were reported in Vientiane province, and 247 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province.

As of Friday, 2,149 people had been diagnosed with dengue fever and five deaths were recorded, Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control under Laos Ministry of Health Latsamy Vongkhamsao, told a press conference here.

The five deaths included two in Laos capital Vientiane and one each in Xayaboury, Khammuan and Luang Namtha province, according to the report.

Laos health authorities urged people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help control the spread of dengue fever.

According to the World Health Organisation, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections and is currently the most rapidly spreading viral disease known, 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. - Xinhua

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Malaysia killed in brawl in South Korea, another arrested, says report
Akmal Saleh says his fight is against DAP and Pakatan, not Chinese or Indians
Brazil widens lead in China’s soybean market as US shipments fall despite Trump-Xi deal
F1's coming home to Sepang, say Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 drivers
India PM Modi announces panel to overhaul exam system after protests
Motor racing-Champion Norris hands McLaren first win of 2026, Antonelli third
F1's return to Malaysia offers economic upside
Wan Kuzain - The YouTube sensation finally gets his chance with Malaysia in the Asean Hyundai Cup
Hong Kong’s first-time lawmakers ask fewer questions but attend Legco more often
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (July 26, 2026)

Others Also Read