Vietnam has recorded over 50,000 cases of dengue fever and 18 resulant fatalities this year, according to the Ministry of Health.

A total of 50,473 dengue patients have been documented in nine provinces and cities across the country since the beginning of 2021, the health ministry reported on Wednesday.

Eighteen people died of the disease during this period.

Binh Phuoc Province recorded the highest number of deaths with six cases, while the other fatalities were logged in Ho Chi Minh City (2), Dong Nai (2), Binh Duong (2), Ba Ria - Vung Tau (1), Phu Yen (2), Soc Trang (1), Tay Ninh (1), and Binh Thuan (1).

Compared to the same period in 2020, the number of patients decreased while the death toll rose by five.

The health ministry warned that the weekly count has been increasing, especially in Hanoi and several southern localities.

In order to prevent large outbreaks and minimize mortality rates, the General Department of Preventive Medicine has requested local authorities to focus on taking several measures.

Chemical control must be carried out in at-risk areas and places where cases are recorded.

Local authorities should help residents raise awareness of the disease by providing the correct information.

Healthcare facilities must exert efforts to provide examination and treatment for dengue fever patients, as well as to lower the number of deaths.

Dengue fever is an infectious disease that is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus, according to the World Health Organization.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles.

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