A dengue fever patient receives treatment at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City
According to the Ministry of Health, from December 14, 2024, to February 17, 2025, Vietnam recorded 16,607 dengue cases, including one death. In Hanoi, the city’s Center for Disease Control (CDC Hanoi) has reported 235 cases so far this year. In Ho Chi Minh City, as of mid-February 2025, there have been 3,431 reported cases, up 125.3% from the same period in 2024.
Globally, dengue hit a record high in 2024, with nearly twice as many infections as in 2023. Brazil alone accounted for over 10 million cases. As of February 15, 2025, the Philippines had reported over 43,000 cases, 56% higher than the typical June peak, while Laos issued an early outbreak warning at the start of the year.
Dr. Vu Hoai Nam, head of the Tropical Diseases Department at Huu Nghi Hospital, said dengue has become increasingly complex in Vietnam, one of the countries with the highest number of infections and widespread outbreaks.
He explained that dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease, with symptoms including high fever, bleeding, and plasma leakage which can lead to hypovolemic shock, coagulation disorders, and organ failure. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, it can be fatal.
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| Dr. Vu Hoai Nam, head of the Tropical Diseases Department at Huu Nghi Hospital |
“There are four types of dengue virus: DEN-1 through DEN-4. The virus spreads from person to person via mosquito bites, primarily from Aedes aegypti. The disease affects both children and adults, occurs year-round, and tends to surge during the rainy season,” Dr. Nam said.
He urged individuals with a sudden, persistent high fever, headache, and body aches to seek immediate medical attention for testing and evaluation. Dengue should be diagnosed and treated promptly, and self-medicating or receiving IV fluids at home is dangerous.
“Eliminating mosquitoes and larvae is the most effective way to prevent dengue. The Aedes mosquito thrives in urban areas, often inside or around homes, and is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. If a household member contracts dengue, others should take precautions against mosquito bites, such as sleeping under nets, using repellent, mosquito coils, or insecticide, and remove any standing water where mosquitoes might breed,” he added.
Amid growing concerns, the Ministry of Health has issued an urgent call for provinces and cities to intensify dengue prevention and control measures./.