VIENTIANE, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Lao health authorities have confirmed that Laos still faces challenges in preventing dengue fever this year as the reported rate of cases has increased.
From March to May 26 this year, recorded dengue fever infection rates in Vientiane were higher than other provinces in the country with 268 cases reported while none were reported during the same period last year, local state-run media Vientiane Times quoted a health official as saying on Monday.
From Jan. 1 to 24 this year, 70 dengue fever infections were recorded in Lao capital Vientiane, while in the same period last year there were no cases reported.
Increasing public awareness is one of the main strategies to reduce the risk of dengue transmission, Head of Epidemiology Division under the Vientiane Health Department Chanthalay Sayavong said.
"In communities, the cooperation of villagers is necessary to remove mosquito breeding grounds. Family members, family heads, village heads, associations, charities and monks are also important in the battle against the potentially fatal virus," he said on Monday.
Health authorities face a renewed threat from the mosquito-borne virus during this peak risk period. Every household is urged to throw out water that collects in jars, vases and dishes and cover such vessels to prevent more water filling them, he added.
