VIENTIANE, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Lao Ministry of Health on Friday reported 22 new confirmed cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infections to 2,149.
The highest number of dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 476, while 303 cases were reported in Vientiane province, and 247 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province.
As of Friday, 2,149 people had been diagnosed with dengue fever and five deaths were recorded, Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control under Lao Ministry of Health Latsamy Vongkhamsao, told a press conference in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday.
The five deaths included two in Lao capital Vientiane and one each in Xayaboury, Khammuan and Luang Namtha province, according to the report.
Lao health authorities urged people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help control the spread of dengue fever.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections and is currently the most rapidly spreading viral disease known, with Thailand, Laos, The Philippines and Singapore also seeing high incidences. The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Enditem