According to Lao Minister of Health Bounkong Syhavong, most ofthe infections and deaths were recorded in Vientiane and the southernprovinces.
The ministry has sent some specialiststo discuss the control of dengue with health staff in the southern region, hesaid.
Reports of the ministry’s Communicable Disease Control Department show that asof July 7, 11,561 people had been diagnosed with dengue fever and 27 have died.
Bounkong has encouraged the government and private sectors, especially healthdepartments around the country, to step up publicity campaigns to prevent thespread of the virus.
He advised health workers to educateindividuals and communities so that they understand the dangers of the diseaseand take active steps to prevent it.
Kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools are all advised to clearout any stagnant water that could harbour mosquito larvae, on a weekly basis.
Improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of dengue at provincial and districthospitals and dispensaries is necessary to prevent unavoidable deaths, hestressed.
As many as 5,584 dengue fever cases were reportedin Laos in 2017, with 14 deaths. In the first nine months of 2018, over 4,600 peoplewere infected with the disease, with 14 those died.
Accordingto the World Health Organisation, dengue is one of the fastest emerginginfections and is currently the most rapidly spreading viral disease known. Thereis also no specific treatment or vaccine available to prevent death.-VNA