This number was provided by the Ministry of Health during an intensive training workshop on the treatment of dengue fever and foot, hand and mouth disease in six western provinces that have witnessed a marked increase in the number of patients.

The workshop was held in Can Tho City recently.

Speaking at the workshop, Associate Professor Luong Ngoc Khue, director of the Health Management Department, emphasised that the number of dengue fever cases had increased this year due to multiple factors, resulting in overcrowding at hospitals and health facilities.

Therefore, the units must actively and continuously improve the quality of medical examination and treatment to reduce mortality, he said.

Hospitals and health centres also need to strengthen and maintain the operation of “dengue fever treatment groups” and a hotline to regularly consult and exchange information on specialisations and request for assistance when necessary, Khue said.

According to the Health Preventive Department, following seven weeks of implementation of active prevention activities, the number of dengue fever cases in Hanoi has decreased by 80% (from 500 cases to 100 cases per day).

Experts said dengue fever in Hanoi has been consistently controlled due to the current drastic anti-epidemic activities.

To prevent an epidemic, the health sector has encouraged people to avoid being subjective and continuously inspect and clean water containers to prevent larvae and mosquito bites.

There is also need to coordinate with health workers and local authorities to take necessary preventive measures.