VIENTIANE, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The cases of dengue fever in Laos have risen to 309 since January, according to a report by the Lao Ministry of Health.
The highest number of 114 dengue cases were recorded in southern Laos' Attapeu province, according to the report released by the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health on Tuesday.
The health ministry urged authorities and people countrywide to remain vigilant and help control the spread of dengue fever.
Every family should drain water collected in jars, vases and dishes, and should cover such containers to prevent more water from filling them up.
People countrywide should clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help control the spread of dengue fever.
If people fall ill, they should suspect that dengue may be the cause of their illness and get a blood test at a hospital.
According to the World Health Organization, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections 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
