Surveillance data through week 43 showed that dengue cases in Ho Chi Minh City were rising again. The risk of further growth during the rainy season remains.
The city also recorded more than 44,000 hand, foot and mouth disease cases, up over 65% from the same period last year. Five deaths and more than 1,600 clusters were reported.
The EV71 virus strain, which can cause severe complications, is circulating in the city. Rising case numbers in preschools and childcare groups have increased the need for prevention measures.
As infections rise, health authorities and local administrations have launched a campaign to control the diseases and prevent wider spread.
Huynh Minh Chinh, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, said the figures were a clear warning. He said political bodies, the health system and residents must not be complacent or delay prevention work.
He said every untreated mosquito-breeding site, an unhygienic living environment and every case that is not detected in time can increase the risk of community transmission.
The deputy director ordered local authorities to strengthen coordination, mobilize forces for environmental cleanup, inspect and fully treat risk sites, clearly assign responsibilities and increase inspections.
The health sector must actively monitor disease patterns, detect cases early, respond to clusters promptly, guide residents on prevention and improve recognition of warning signs to reduce severe cases and deaths.
Chemical spraying must follow professional instructions, target appropriate areas and comply with procedures. It must not be carried out indiscriminately or treated as a substitute for removing mosquito larvae.
Schools and childcare groups must check children's health every day and clean and disinfect classrooms, toys and frequently touched surfaces. They should work closely with parents to identify and respond to suspected cases early.
The community health network should visit homes and directly guide residents, landlords and construction site owners on environmental cleanup and disease prevention.
The health department leadership called on every family to check, wash and cover water containers at least once a week, remove waste that can collect water and destroy mosquito larvae. Residents should also keep washing their hands with soap and clean children's toys and belongings.
Tran Van Dao, deputy chairman of the Di An Ward People's Committee, said the ward would mobilize forces for environmental cleanup, treat risk sites and work with health authorities on inspections and chemical spraying in line with regulations.
He also called on households to destroy mosquito larvae, remove containers holding stagnant water, prevent mosquito bites and take sick people to medical facilities promptly to stop the diseases from spreading.
On October 31, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health and the Di An Ward People's Committee launched a campaign to prevent dengue and hand, foot and mouth disease.
Immediately after the launch ceremony, a team from the department, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control and local authorities surveyed potential dengue and hand, foot and mouth disease sites in Thang Loi 2 neighborhood.
The team also checked environmental sanitation, disinfection, hand-washing facilities and health monitoring at Thong Nhat Preschool.
Sources: Dân Trí
