VIENTIANE, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Lao Ministry of Health on Wednesday reported 133 new confirmed cases of dengue fever, with most of the cases occurring in capital Vientiane.
A total of 3,932 people has been diagnosed with dengue fever and nine deaths were recorded, Lao Ministry of Health said in its press release on Wednesday.
The highest number of dengue patients were reported in the Lao capital Vientiane city with 870, while 489 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province, and 427 cases were reported in Vientiane province.
The nine deaths included four in Vientiane, two in Bolikhamxay, and one each in Khammuan, Xayaboury and Xieng Khuang province.
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 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
