VIENTIANE, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Dengue fever has killed seven people and infected 2,302 across Laos, with most of the cases recorded in the Lao capital Vientiane.
As of Tuesday, 2,302 cases of dengue fever were reported countrywide, with seven people dying from the illness, the Lao Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.
Three of the deaths were in Vientiane, where 523 cases have been reported in total.
Bolikhamxay province recorded 264 cases and two deaths, Khammuan province witnessed 181 cases and one death, and Xayaboury province reported 120 cases and one death.
Local health authorities are encouraging people to regularly empty containers that collect stagnant water, and clear undergrowth around houses.
Schools, hospitals, factories, hotels, restaurants, tourist facilities and offices are advised to undertake cleaning activities to remove any sources of stagnant water to slow mosquito breeding.
The Ministry of Health will continue to work closely with central and provincial health departments to monitor dengue transmission and encourage the clearing of mosquito breeding sites, according to the report.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections, with Thailand, Laos, The Philippines and Singapore seeing high incidences. The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Enditem
