Dengue fever is a prevalent infectious disease in Vietnam, typically showing a significant increase during the rainy season. According to surveillance data from the beginning of 2026 to date, the country has recorded 31,927 cases and 4 deaths. Notably, cases were recorded early in the first months of the year, primarily concentrated in the Southern region.

Current Situation and Risk Factors

Currently, dengue fever is trending upward in several localities. According to the assessment by the General Department of Preventive Medicine, although the situation is being closely monitored and controlled, there is a high risk that the number of cases will continue to rise in the coming period. The primary cause is the early onset of hot and humid weather, which creates favorable conditions for the development of disease-transmitting mosquitoes.

In addition to cyclical factors, the disease is currently influenced by rapid urbanization, high population density, and water storage habits in residential areas. These factors can cause the disease to appear earlier, last longer, and become more difficult to control if the community does not regularly maintain preventive measures.

Strengthening Surveillance and Outbreak Response

To proactively control risks, the health sector is closely monitoring the progression of the disease in each locality. The focus is on early detection of cases to promptly handle outbreaks as soon as they arise, preventing the disease from spreading widely in the community. This work must be carried out continuously and decisively, not just during peak months.

Misconceptions to Eliminate in Disease Prevention

Evidence shows that a segment of the population still has an incomplete understanding of the characteristics of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits dengue fever. Contrary to the belief that mosquitoes only breed in dirty water, these mosquitoes often lay eggs in clean or relatively clean water containers around the house, such as: flower vases, buckets, trays, old tires, and jars.

Ngoài ra, người dân không nên chỉ trông chờ vào việc phun hóa chất diệt muỗi của ngành y tế. Biện pháp bền vững và quan trọng nhất vẫn là chủ động loại bỏ nơi muỗi đẻ trứng và diệt lăng quăng hằng tuần. Cần lưu ý rằng muỗi vằn thường đốt người vào ban ngày, do đó việc phòng tránh muỗi đốt cần được thực hiện xuyên suốt cả ngày lẫn đêm.

Proactive Prevention Measures at Home

Every individual and household plays a decisive role in preventing the disease. The health sector recommends that people take the following specific actions:

First, spend time weekly checking and eliminating water-holding items in and around the house. Tightly cover all domestic water containers, regularly change the water in flower vases, and scrub water containers to kill larvae and wrigglers.

Second, proactively take measures to prevent mosquito bites by sleeping under mosquito nets even during the day, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using appropriate mosquito repellents.

Finally, when there are suspected symptoms of the disease, people must absolutely not treat themselves at home. It is necessary to go immediately to medical facilities for examination, diagnosis, and timely management instructions to avoid dangerous complications.

Core message to remember: “No larvae, no wrigglers, no dengue fever”. Maintaining regular environmental hygiene habits will significantly contribute to protecting the health of yourself, your family, and the entire community.

Center for Support & Continuing Education