As of July 4, the whole country recorded about 92,000 cases of dengue fever, an increase of about 15,000 compared to 10 days earlier. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI - The number of cases of dengue fever has risen steadily in recent weeks, mainly in the south and central regions, according to the Ministry of Health.

It is currently the peak period for the spread of dengue fever, with hot and humid weather and regular rainfall providing the best conditions for mosquitoes and their larvae to develop. Increased travel is also blamed for the spike in cases, with people becoming more negligent about preventive measures.

According to the ministry’s report, as of July 4, the whole country recorded about 92,000 cases of dengue fever, an increase of about 15,000 cases compared to 10 days earlier.

Also according to the report, there have been 36 deaths recorded due to dengue fever, an increase of six cases compared to the previous 10 days.

The ministry warns that the number of dengue fever cases will continue to increase and may explode if local authorities, relevant agencies and people do not take drastic measures to prevent and control the disease.

The ministry has asked localities to enhance prevention efforts. Seven inspection teams visited cities and provinces in the south in late June and early July to check on measures in place.

Deputy Minister of Health Đỗ Xuân Tuyên, on his working visit to HCM City, said: “The host of dengue fever is mosquitoes, so to cut off the outbreak, mosquitoes must be killed.”

He said: "City authorities must have plans to prevent the disease. Dengue fever prevention must be practical, not just theoretical.”

On July 4, HCM City reported 11 deaths related to dengue fever.

As of June 30, the city recorded 21,750 cases of dengue fever, an increase of more than 181 per cent over the same period last year. The number of severe dengue cases was 346, 3.7 times higher than the same period last year.

On the first five days of July, the city detected 175 new dengue fever outbreaks.

In the north, Bạch Mai Hospital, Central Children's Hospital and the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases have been treating severe cases of dengue fever, with many having travelled to or returned from southern provinces.

Doctors recommend that people who visit southern or south-central provinces should go to a medical facility for testing and treatment if showing signs of high fever and headaches. VNS