Authorities help people remove stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes breeding.

What can we do to stay safe from dengue fever?

Asean Dengue Fever Day is observed on June 14. The day is a campaign initiated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to increase dengue awareness and advocate preventive strategies among the public. Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their thoughts on ways to keep dengue in check.

Ms Lanoy, a resident of Hadxaifong district: I think it’s very important to prevent dengue fever early because the rainy season has begun and a lot of water has already collected in many places, so mosquitoes are laying eggs. The number of mosquitoes always increases in the rainy season. Every year there are cases of dengue fever in many parts of Laos. This year, we should be proactive and take steps to prevent it. Health officials should run more publicity campaigns to advise people about ways to protecting themselves against dengue by getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds. Everyone should be aware of ways to prevent dengue and to avoid contracting the disease. Parents and adults should protect their children by trying to make sure they don’t get bitten, and families should sleep under mosquito nets. If anyone thinks they may have dengue fever, they should see a doctor quickly in order to get a diagnosis and the right treatment.
Mr Khamphou Bounphachan, a resident of Xaythany district: It’s important that everyone does what they can to keep dengue at bay so that more people don’t fall ill. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection with flu-like illness that can potentially develop into severe complications characterised by respiratory distress, severe bleeding and organ impairment. It is one of the fastest growing emerging infectious diseases in the world and affects infants, children and adults. Dengue does not only have public health consequences but also has significant socio-economic impacts. I think people in Asean countries and other regions should actively work together to combat dengue fever and mitigate the impact it has on local communities.
Mr Jack, a resident of Naxaithong district: Dengue is a global challenge that demands a global response. We’re lucky that in Laos health authorities annually campaign against the disease, with officials in each province encouraging people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help curb the spread of dengue. We should all do the same again this year to ensure that people are mindful of the problem and stay safe. In some years, outbreaks of dengue had a severe impact on people’s health. Many people fell ill and some died, which in turn affected social and economic development. To keep dengue in check we need to prevent mosquitoes breeding because they are the carriers of the disease. It’s important for everyone to keep their surroundings clean, and to kill mosquitoes and their larvae, both inside and outside people’s homes.
Mr Sonexay Inthavong, a resident of Xaysettha district: It’s important to prevent dengue from taking hold because it can be dangerous and cause severe weakness or even death. Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes and is characterised by rashes, severe headaches, and pain in the joints. There are many ways to prevent it and it’s not difficult; it just requires diligence and common sense. Families should throw out water that collects in jars, vases and dishes and then cover them so they don’t collect more water. Schools, hospitals, factories, hotels, restaurants, tourist facilities and offices should organise cleaning activities to remove any sources of stagnant water, to help stop mosquitoes breeding. Village heads, government bodies and organisations of all kinds are also important in the battle against this potentially fatal disease.

By Visith Teppalath
(Latest Update June 13, 2022)