Location: Vietnam
Event: The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has recently reported a rise in dengue fever cases. On September 18th, Hanoi reported more than 2,000 cases over the last week, doubling the number of cases of weeks before it.
Most dengue cases are occurring in Phu Xuyen, Hoang Mai, Cau Giay, Ha Dong, Dong Da, Dan Phuong, Thanh Oai and Thanh Tri district of Hanoi. From the start of 2023, Hanoi has reported 10,372 cases of dengue fever, 3 fatal. Comparing to the same period in 2022, the number of cases has quadrupled, fatal cases remain the same.
About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe. Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and often requires care at a hospital.
Dengue viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms in the early stages.
Dengue is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes also spread chikungunya and Zika viruses. The best way to protect yourself from dengue is to avoid mosquito bites.
Actions to Take:
- Use insect repellent: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellentswith one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
- Protect babies and children:
- Dress the child in clothing that covers arms and legs
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and treat clothing and gear using 0.5% permethrin
- Use a mosquito net over bedding if you are outside or when screened rooms are not available
- Take steps to control mosquitos indoors and outdoors
- Use screens on windows and doors
- Use air conditioning, if available
- Stop mosquitos from laying eggs in or near water by emptying items that hold water such as buckets, planters, or trash containers
More information about dengue, including prevention, symptoms, and treatment is available on the U.S. CDC website. Dengue | CDC
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Hanoi (Hanoi, Vietnam)
+84 (0)24-3850-5000
U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
+84 (0)28-3520-4200
https://vn.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Vietnam Country Information
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