Lao NEWS on LNTV: The nation's Ministry of Health is concerned increasing dengue.18/2/2015

• published: 19 Feb 2015
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VO The nation's Ministry of Health is concerned that Laos may face increasing outbreaks of dengue INTRO: District and village authorities are set to lead their communities and households in the fight against dengue fever in the face of a renewed threat from the mosquito-borne virus. STORY: The nation's Ministry of Health is concerned that Laos may face increasing outbreaks of dengue, known to some as break-bone fever, during the rainy season which is considered the peak risk period. Speaking at the National Dengue Review Meeting yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, Dr Phankham Viphavanh, said that district and village authorities should play their roles by organising various activities to help monitor local mosquito breeding sites on a weekly basis. He said the fight against dengue fever should be the duty of people at all walks of life, not just public health authorities. Recommended preventive measures consist of implementing the so-called ‘Five Por', a Lao language mnemonic. These include closing and sealing all containers, flushing all water vessels, releasing larvae-eating guppy fish into ponds, cleaning areas surrounding residences and remembering to do the first four tasks regularly. In addition, people are advised to use mosquito nets. Dr Phankham also advised deputy provincial governors and the committee on dengue control at provincial level who attended the meeting to implement the Prime Minister's Order on dengue control to ensure the fever was kept at bay. The order comes as Laos prepares to celebrate major events such as the 60th Party Establishment Day, the 40th National Day and the inauguration of Asean Economic Community. Dr Phankham also congratulated the public health community, the Ministry of Health, WHO, development partners and people at all walks of life for helping Laos achieve the lowest number of dengue patients in Asean last year. He said this indicated that the dengue prevention and control had been conducted effectively. Minister of Health, Professor Dr Eksavang Vongvichit, said that he was pleased to see some provinces add dengue control into their provincial socio-economic development plans. WHO Representative in Laos, Dr Juliet Fleischl, said maintaining a high level of commitment, leadership and coordination will be crucial to implementing a successful dengue prevention and control action plan. Last year, more than 98,000 people were infected in Malaysia resulting in 189 deaths, more than 90,000 in the Philippines resulting in 342 deaths, more than 17,000 cases in Vietnam resulting 17 deaths, more than 17,000 cases in Singapore resulting in four deaths, 41,000 csaes in Thailand resulting in 45 deaths and 3,500 recorded in Cambodia resulting in 21 fatalities. Last year in Laos there were 1,711 dengue cases, resulting in zero reported deaths. So far this year 37 people have been infected with the virus nationwide, with zero fatalities reported at time of publication.