--Photo Centre of Information and Education for Health.

What should be done to prevent the spread of dengue fever?  

This year, the rainy season arrived earlier than usual, which meant mosquitoes started breeding sooner. More than 240 new cases of dengue fever were recorded on June 23, while 3,748 cases have been reported in Laos since January and three people have died. Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on ways to keep dengue in check.

Ms Aon, a resident of Vientiane province: Life seems to get harder every day as news of more viruses and diseases appears. But, as we know, preventing dengue is as simple as preventing mosquito bites. I think we should follow the advice given by public health officials such as covering all water containers and keeping the area around our houses clean and free of vegetation as much as possible. We should remove anything that might be a potential mosquito breeding ground and, most importantly, we should sleep under a mosquito net every night so that we don’t get bitten.  
 
Ms Noy Phetmixay, a resident of Vientiane:  I know the public health sector and international organisations have taken steps to ensure dengue doesn’t take hold in Laos but many people don’t understand how dengue can be prevented, or they know but can’t be bothered to do the right thing. Health authorities need to spray more pesticide in areas where dengue has broken out, to prevent the spread of the virus, as it can be passed from one person to another. And more should be done to get people to understand the dangers of the virus and take prevention measure. Everyone should be taught about the symptoms of dengue and what to do if they fall ill. All communities should be fully and regularly informed about ways to prevent dengue fever.
 
Mr Phoutthavong Khamsingsavath, a government official in Xaythany district, Vientiane: I think dengue is very scary and more dangerous than Covid-19 because it can easily spread if we are bitten by mosquitoes. I think researchers should do more to come up with solutions. At least, they should figure out a way to get rid of mosquitoes without the use of chemicals. And city authorities should discourage the dumping of waste and clear places that are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. I would also like those responsible to give more advice to people in remote areas about ways to protect themselves against dengue.
 
Ms Pheng, an employee in Xaythany district, Vientiane: I try to clean around my house to keep the mosquito population down, as this is the most effective method of curbing dengue. The main interventions for dengue prevention are the reduction of mosquitoes and increasing awareness in at-risk communities. I urge everyone to do more to prevent the spread of dengue fever and work within their communities to reduce mosquito populations.
A public health official: Dengue is dangerous and is easily transmitted, and many people have died from this virus. We encourage everyone to sleep under a mosquito net and to keep their surroundings clean, making sure there’s no place where mosquitoes are likely to breed. If you have a fever, chills or flu-like symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. It’s important to get a diagnosis and medical advice as soon as possible and not to take medicine by yourself. Another important thing is that everyone should strictly follow the measures recommended by public health officials.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update June 27, 2022)