Dengue fever hits out of season in southern metro
Some 1,200 people in Ho Chi Minh City have contracted mosquito-born dengue fever in the first two months of 2006, though the rainy season has yet to come, the Preventative Health Center said.
The peak season for dengue fever typically falls in May, with the beginning of the rainy season as mosquito populations rise.
Some 115 people have already been diagnosed with dengue fever last week, up 49 from the previous week.
The Pediatrics Hospital No. 1 also reported over 40 kids have been diagnosed with the viral disease each day in past weeks.
Forty-nine kids were hospitalized last Sunday, with symptoms such as stomach aches, vomiting, and rashes. Among them 22 were in critical condition, the hospital added.
Such a high prevalence is unusual, the preventive health center said, warning if the upward trend remains steadfast this month, it could reach epidemic proportions by the peak rainy season.
The Aedes mosquito – the fever culprit – thrives and breeds best in pockets of stagnant or slow running water found everywhere during the rainy season.
Reported by Thanh Tung
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Dengue in Vietnam - Except it's not the season for it