VIENTIANE, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 45 more cases of dengue was reported in Laos, taking the total number of infections to 7,973, according to Lao Ministry of Health.
The highest number of dengue patients were reported in the Lao capital Vientiane with 1,851, the Center of Information and Education for health under Lao Ministry of Health said in a statement on Tuesday.
A total of 922 cases were reported in Bolikhamxay province, while 740 cases were reported in Bokeo province, and 710 cases were reported in Savannakhet province.
The 12 deaths included four in Lao capital Vientiane, two in Bolikhamxay and Khammuan, and one each in Xayaboury, Xieng Khuang, Savannakhet, and Phongsaly.
Lao health authorities urged people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help control the spread of the virus.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue is one of the fastest emerging infections and is currently the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease known, with Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore also seeing high incidence. The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Enditem
