HCM CITY — The HCM City Department of Health has called on individuals and communities to join forces in a campaign to prevent and control dengue fever to mark the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dengue Day (June 15).

Speaking at the launching ceremony in the city’s Tân Phú District, Dr. Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh Châu, deputy director of the department, said dengue fever is one of the most rapidly spreading infectious diseases.

“The mosquito-borne disease remains a serious public health threat that can cause death,” Châu said.

HCM City is one of the most dengue affected localities in Việt Nam, with a total of 3,251 cases of dengue recorded throughout 22 districts and Thủ Đức City from the beginning of the year to May 19, he said.

Bình Chánh, Tân Phú and Bình Tân districts reported a high incidence rate of dengue infections per 100,000 people.

The department predicts that the number of infections would likely to rise from the rainy season that began in May until November.

The most effective measure to prevent dengue is to kill mosquitos and destroy their larvae at home and at workplaces, Châu said.

The involvement of individuals together with the health sector are needed to fight dengue, he said.

The awareness raising campaign will mobilise resources for measures to prevent and control dengue disease. — VNS