PHÚ YÊN — Cases of dengue fever have been increased in the central coastal province of Phú Yên, reported Vietnam News Agency.

Since late last year and in first month this year, there were nearly 1,400 cases of dengue fever reported. The mountainous district of Sông Hinh had 539 cases, 91 per cent more than in the same period last year.

Notably, many people were not aware of the disease’s danger so they chose to self-treat at home, only seeking hospitalisation when the condition became severe.

For example, Lê Thị Kim Hoa, a resident of the district’s Riêng Hai Township, was hospitalised in serious condition with a high fever. Another case was K’Sor Y Quý from Ea Ba Commune, who was initially treated at home with medicines not prescribed by a doctor. He was hospitalised when his condition became worse.

These are just two of the 24 severe cases of dengue fever treated in Sông Hinh Gereral Hospital.

In Phú Yên Province, the disease continues to spread and there is no sign of stopping.

The current weather pattern – alternating rain and sun – promotes mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

Along with the health sector’s efforts, people need to become aware about killing mosquitoes and larvae.

Dr. K’Sor Sư, deputy director of the Sông Hinh Healthcare Centre, said: “The difficulty is how to raise people’s awareness of the disease as well as how to change habits at home such as the use of open water tanks which are a favourable environment for mosquitoes and larvae.”

“The district’s healthcare centre should institute measures to wipe out dengue fever before the Tết holiday,” said Dr. K’Sor Sư. — VNS