VIENTIANE, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Laos reported 35,317 cases of dengue fever in 2023, an increase from 32,364 cases reported in 2022.
In 2023, the highest number of dengue cases was reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 6,277, while 5,583 cases were confirmed in Oudomxay province, and 3,869 cases in Khammuan province, according to a report issued on Friday by the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health.
According to the report, the dengue virus killed 20 people across the country in 2023.
The 20 deaths included five in Bolikhamxay, three in Lao capital Vientiane and Vientiane province, two each in Savannakhet, Xayaboury and Attapeu province, and one each in Oudomxay, Khammuan, and Sekong province.
In 2022, Laos recorded 32,364 cases of dengue fever including 24 deaths.
Lao Ministry of Health has urged everyone to remain vigilant, especially in the rainy season, when dengue-spreading mosquitoes breed in large numbers due to the presence of stagnant water.
Health officials and medical staff have been working to increase public understanding about the danger of this potentially deadly disease.
The health ministry has vowed to continue developing the capacity of medical professionals to provide better healthcare services.
Members of the public are advised to cover unused containers, flush out water vessels, place small guppy fish in water jars to eat mosquito larvae and keep their home environment clean and dry. ■
