HÀ NỘI – Experts are warning against an outbreak of dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease as wet weather continues.

Although the number of dengue-fever cases has continued to fall in the last eight weeks, the city is still struggling to fully contain the disease, Hoàng Đức Hạnh, vice-director of the Hà Nội Department of Health, said at an online meeting held by the Hà Nội People’s Committee on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Southern and Central provinces are entering the peak season for dengue fever as extreme weather events create favorable conditions for mosquitoes.

“We have to continue reinforcing solutions in the next six weeks to prevent a second outbreak,” said Nguyễn Nhật Cảm, director of the Hà Nội Preventive Health Centre.

In Hà Nội from October 2 to 8, 1,068 patients were recorded, 160 fewer than the previous week and 2,501 fewer than the peak week in August.

Officials leading prevention efforts have encountered several challenges. In Hà Đông District, larvae has been found in several homes, construction works and public places. Medical staff cannot spray the entire area due to a shortage of staff.  

According to Cảm, the  Ministry of Health (MoH) evaluated the outbreak two weeks ago and estimated the disease would be under control by November if prevention measures were done well.

According to the MoH, Việt Nam has had more than 70,000 cases of hand-foot-mouth since the beginning of the year. In Hà Nội, 450 patients were infected with the disease.

The ministry has urgently asked provinces to implement prevention solutions.

HFMD is a viral infection that commonly occurs in children under the age of 10. Although it usually resolves on its own after seven to 10 days, it can lead to encephalitis, myocarditis, pulmonary oedema or even death.

The ministry has recommended people practise proper hand-washing hygiene, clean shared utensils, disinfect contaminated surfaces and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals.

If children display signs and symptoms of HFMD, including fever, nausea or skin lesions, parents should take them to the nearest medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. – VNS