NewsDesk @bactiman63

Dengue fever is a nationwide, year-round threat in Laos; however, the risk is typically highest in May-September during the monsoon season.

As of August 26, the Laos Center of Information and Education for Health reports 23,347 dengue fever cases throughout the country, including 14 fatalities.

This is more than double the cases since our last report in mid July.

The region hit hardest by dengue is Oudomxay Province with 4,499 cases.

The Lao Ministry of Health has urged residents to implement preventative measures, such as clearing potential mosquito breeding sites around homes and workplaces to curb disease transmission. Health officials also urge anyone that is experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical treatment.

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. The disease can take up to 2 weeks to develop with illness generally lasting less than a week.

Health effects from dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding.

Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization.

In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and death.

 

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