VIENTIANE, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lao Ministry of Health reported one new death from dengue fever, taking the death toll to 13 in the country.
According to a report from the Lao Ministry of Health on Tuesday, 13 people have died following a nationwide outbreak of dengue fever since January, with most of the cases occurring in the Lao capital Vientiane.
Four of the deaths occurred in Vientiane, where 1,878 cases have been reported.
Bolikhamxay province recorded 936 cases and two deaths, Khammuan province recorded 432 cases and one death, and Xayaboury province recorded 196 cases and one death. Five cases of dengue and one death were reported in Xieng Khuang province.
Lao health authorities are encouraging people to regularly empty containers that collect standing water, and clear undergrowth around houses.
Schools, hospitals, factories, hotels, restaurants, tourist facilities and offices are advised to organize cleaning activities to remove stagnant water and slow mosquito breeding.
Anyone who falls ill should consider the fact that dengue could be the cause and go to a hospital to get a diagnosis as quickly as possible. It is advisable not to buy medicine at a pharmacy and take it at home, according to the report.
The Ministry of Health will continue to work closely with central and provincial health departments to follow up on trends in dengue transmission and encourage the clearing of mosquito breeding sites. Enditem
