Bukola Afeni
Editor
Laos’s health authorities is urging people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes, and workplaces to help control the spread of the dengue virus. News Agency of Nigeria reports that the number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years.
According to the World Health Organisation, dengue is one of the fastest emerging infections .”It is currently the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease known, with Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore also witnessing high incidence.The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the years, taking the total number of infections to 7,973″.”The highest number of dengue patients was reported in the Laos capital Vientiane with 1,851, the Centre of Information and Education for health under Laos Ministry of Health .
A total of 922 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province, while 740 cases were reported in Bokeo province, and 710 cases were reported in Savannakhet province.The 12 deaths included four in Laos’s capital Vientiane, two in Bolikhamxay and Khammuan, and one each in Xayaboury, Xieng Khuang, Savannakhet, and Phongsaly.”
