12 dead, over 7,000 infected with dengue in Laos since January

The highest number of dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 1,618.- Vientiane Times/ANN

VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Twelve people died and 7,031 were infected by the dengue virus across Laos since January, Lao Ministry of Health reported in its press release on Thursday (Oct 8).

A total of 7,031 people has been diagnosed with the disease with 12 deaths recorded, according to the Center of Information and Education for health under Lao Ministry of Health.

The highest number of dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 1,618, while 788 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province, and 691 cases were reported in Bokeo province.

The 12 deaths included four in Lao capital Vientiane, two in Bolikhamxay and Khammuan respectively, and one each in Xayaboury, Xieng Khuang, Savannakhet, and Phongsaly.

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

According to the World Health Organization, dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease, with Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore also seeing high incidence. The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years.