Daijiworld Media Network - Hanoi

Hanoi, Sep 23: Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, is witnessing a notable spike in dengue fever infections. From September 12 to 19, health officials reported 258 new cases, a significant increase from the 190 cases recorded the previous week, according to local news sources.

The Hanoi Centre for Disease Control has identified 19 new dengue clusters, raising the total number of active outbreak zones across the city to 33. Since the start of 2025, Hanoi has logged 1,884 dengue cases—a 42% decrease compared to the same timeframe last year, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency via Xinhua.

Despite the overall decline, health authorities caution that mosquito activity remains dangerously high at affected sites, suggesting that infection rates could climb further in line with the seasonal dengue cycle. Local clinics and health workers have been urged to enhance early detection efforts and respond swiftly, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, often goes unnoticed in those infected. When symptoms do appear, they typically include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and skin rashes. Most patients recover within one to two weeks, but severe cases can require hospitalization and may even be fatal.

Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites, especially during daylight hours when the primary carriers are most active. Currently, there is no specific cure for dengue; treatment centers on managing pain and symptoms.

Globally, dengue has surged dramatically in recent decades. The World Health Organization reports an increase from just over half a million cases in 2000 to nearly 15 million in 2024. Many infections go unreported due to mild or asymptomatic cases. Today, dengue is endemic in over 100 countries, posing an ongoing public health challenge worldwide.