VIENTIANE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Lao Ministry of Health on Monday reported 33 new confirmed cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infections to 2,223.
As of Sunday, 2,223 people has been diagnosed with dengue fever and six deaths were recorded, Lao Ministry of Health reported in its press release on Monday.
The highest number of dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 499, while 304 cases were reported in Vientiane province, and 257 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province.
The six deaths included two in Lao capital Vientiane, two in Bolikhamxay and one each in Khammuan and Xayaboury 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