Laos: Dengue cases continue to surge; 2,621 people isolated on Covid-19 concerns

805190

VIENTIANE, Oct. 16 (Xinhua): The fight against the spread of dengue virus in Laos continued as cases keep on surging despite the intensified control measures carried out by Lao health authorities.

According to a report from the Lao Ministry of Health on Friday, some 7,265 people have been diagnosed with dengue fever and 12 deaths were recorded since January.

The highest number of dengue patients was reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 1,675, while 838 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province, and 701 cases were reported in Bokeo province.

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

The Lao Ministry of Health urged authorities and people countrywide to remain vigilant and help control the spread of dengue fever.

Every family should throw out water that collects in jars, vases, and dishes and should cover such vessels to prevent more water from filling them up.

If people fall ill, they should suspect that dengue may be the cause of their illness and get a blood test at a hospital, according to the report.

According to the World Health Organization, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections, 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.

Laos' National Taskforce Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on Friday (Oct 16) said it has been monitoring 2,621 people across the country over coronavirus concerns.

Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control under the Lao Ministry of Health Latsamy Vongkhamsao, told a press conference in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday that some 1,870 people entering laos through international border checkpoints on Thursday and the temperature of each person was checked before sending to quarantine centre for 14 days.

A total of 2,621 people has been quarantined at 35 accommodation centers across the country, said Latsamy.

The Lao government continues to strictly monitor people entering laos to prevent a second wave of Covid-19.

The Lao government has advised people and relevant authorities not to neglect containment and preventive measures.

As of Friday, laos has tested 59,448 suspected cases with 23 cases tested positive, and 22 patients have recovered.

The remaining active case is being treated at the designated hospital, Mittaphab Hospital (Hospital 150) in Lao capital Vientiane.

laos announced its first two Covid-19 confirmed cases on March 24. - Xinhua