In recent weeks, the situation of dengue in the Xuân Hòa district, in Ho Chi Minh-Ville, has become more complex, the number of cases increasing rapidly, especially in residential areas with high population density.
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| The working session between the delegation of the Institut Pasteur and the health center of the Xuân Hòa district, in Ho Chi Minh-Ville. |
Statistics show that currently, the number of new cases has almost doubled compared to the same period last year, some with signs of complication. At the same time, the risk of the appearance of chikungunya – a disease transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, similar to dengue – was also reported by the health sector. Although no case of Chikungunya has yet been recorded on the territory, the climatic, environmental conditions and the life habits of the inhabitants promote the proliferation of this vector mosquito.
Faced with this situation, the authorities and medical staff in the Xuân Hòa district quickly implemented prevention measures. The elimination of larvae and insecticide spraying were carried out simultaneously in high -risk areas. The neighborhood committees, social organizations and community health agents have inspected, sensitized and mobilized each home to eliminate the containers containing water, to change the water from the vases and to introduce Larvivore fish. Schools, sites and workers’ housing areas are subject to regular checks to eliminate any larval home.
Preventive measures
In order to assess the situation and strengthen the efficiency of the struggle, a delegation from the Institut Pasteur de Ho Chi Minh City recently carried out an inspection and surveillance mission to Xuân Hòa. The teams have identified the risk areas, collected from larvae samples, assessed the efficiency of spraying and the level of commitment of the community. The results show that, despite many proactive actions, certain larval households persist, in particular in houses crowded with used objects and housing of migrant workers.
During this mission, representatives of the Pasteur Institute recommended that local health and volunteers to improve the identification of epidemic homes, strengthen communication with the population and collect mosquito samples in accordance with the institute and health sector directives, in order to analyze the risks of transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses. This will distribute early alerts in the event of the pathogen’s detection.
| Pool in an abandoned house in the Xuân Hòa district. |
At the end of this inspection, the Ho Chi Minh-Ville health service underlined the need to extend this active surveillance model to other districts and municipalities to quickly detect and treat potential homes. The health authorities recommend organizing the weekly elimination of larvae with the participation of 100% of households, in combination with the spraying of large -scale insecticides in areas where cases are reported. The fight against dengue and chikungunya cannot succeed without close cooperation between authorities, health sector and population.
Regarding chikungunya, although no cases have been detected in Ho Chi Minh-Ville, epidemics have declared themselves in several countries in the region, threatening to introduce themselves to Vietnam via tourism and trade. The two diseases have similar symptoms: high fever, headache, joint pain, rashes … The inhabitants must therefore remain vigilant and consult a health center as soon as suspicious symptoms appear, without resorting to self -medication. In addition to measures against mosquitoes and their larvae, it is recommended to use mosquito nets, wear covering clothes and apply skin repellents.
| Another place in the same house was discovered with mosquito larvae by the inspection team. |
The Ho Chi Minh-Ville health service has also asked hospitals and medical centers to prepare enough medicines, infusion solutions, equipment and staff to accommodate and treat patients with dengue. Training sessions on sorting and taking charge of serious cases, in particular those with complications, must be organized for medical staff. In addition, epidemiological surveillance must be reinforced, with samples and analyzes to precisely identify the viral strains and follow their circulation.
Finally, the communication and awareness of the community constitute an essential component. The health sector is collaborating with the press, radios and social networks to regularly disseminate information, prevention advice and fast alerts. Schools, production establishments and businesses are also required to maintain environmental cleanliness and prevent mosquito bites among students and workers.
Texte et Photos: Quang Chau/CVN