Dengue fever death toll rises to 24 as outbreak spreads across Vietnam

APD NEWS

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‍Raging dengue fever across Vietnam this year has caused 24 deaths and more than 81,000 infections of the mosquito-borne virus, the country's Ministry of Health claimed on Wednesday.

As the number of infected people grows, the Chinese embassy in Vietnam has informed local Chinese to strengthen their vigilance against the disease by stocking up on anti-mosquito products and staying away from mosquito-intensive areas.

The embassy also warns people to seek immediate medical help if they suffer any symptoms of fever.

A municipal worker sprays chemicals to kill mosquitoes at a residential home in downtown Hanoi on August 11, 2017 as authorities work to stop the spread of dengue fever. /AFP Photo

According to local sources, 59 percent of dengue cases have occurred in the south of the country.

Over 15,400 dengue patients have been reported in the northern half of the country, particularly in Hanoi, which has seen seven fatalities.

As mosquitoes thrive in the unpredictable weather, thousands of new patients are increasing every day.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus.

Symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection, which include a high fever, headache, vomiting, joint pains and even death.

The Ministry of Health in Vietnam said the unusually early rainy season has seen more mosquitoes than usual this year.

(CGTN)