What can be done to prevent the spread of dengue fever?

A total of 8,325 dengue infections have been recorded across the country so far this year, and 12 people have died from the virus. As communities battle the debilitating disease, Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their thoughts on ways to prevent the spread of dengue.

Ms Phuangsone Nanthavong, a resident of Xaythany district: I’m worried about dengue fever because my house is near a wood where there is a lot of stagnant water. Lakes and still streams are especially likely to be breeding sites for mosquitoes. Even though I try to clean around my house, it doesn’t help much because my neighbours’ properties are unkempt. So I sleep under a mosquito net every night and always clear out stagnant water from places where mosquitoes might breed. I would like to call on everyone to be careful and to check around their houses for anywhere that mosquitoes might be breeding. If you have a fever, chills or flu-like symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible and not to take medicine by yourself. Another important thing is that we should strictly follow the measures recommended by public health officials.
 
Mr Kai Xaiyavong, a resident of Sikhottabong district: I have heard about dengue fever and I know that quite a lot of people die from this virus every year. Public health officials are aware of the problem but this disease continues to kill people. I think we need to do a lot more by carefully cleaning in and around our living areas to get rid of stagnant water that mosquitoes breed in. People who live near wooded areas and open drains should be especially careful about keeping their surroundings clean because mosquitoes breed in such places. If you think you might be infected with dengue, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
 
Ms Kim Phetmany, an employee in Xaythany district: I am taking precautions by trying to keep the mosquito population in my area as low as possible, as this is fundamental to staying safe. The best way to stop the spread of dengue is by reducing the number of mosquitoes and increasing awareness in at-risk communities. It would be good if the authorities sprayed more insecticide in places where mosquitoes breed and in communities with many cases of dengue fever. They should actively monitor the situation and conduct surveillance to determine the effectiveness of control interventions.

Ms Nome Souliyatham, a government official in Sisattanak district: Even though public health officials have taken steps to  ensure dengue doesn’t take hold, I know that many people don’t pay much attention to prevention measures. I think the authorities should do more to let people know how dengue can be prevented. I think dengue and malaria can be kept at bay if everyone strictly follows the measures recommended by public health officials. We should work together in our communities to reduce mosquito populations as much as possible.
Mr Vinit, a resident of Vientiane: I think we can tackle this disease if we make sure there are no pools of stagnant water around our living areas, which is where mosquitoes breed. In addition, everyone should use mosquito nets while sleeping. It’s best to use a net that’s been treated with insecticide, and people can also use these nets to cover open windows and doors. The officials responsible should run more publicity campaigns to advise people how to keep dengue at bay.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 15, 2022)