29-7-2023 (YANGON) Myanmar has witnessed a significant decline in dengue fever cases and fatalities this year, with the Ministry of Health reporting 6,685 cases and 30 deaths as of July 15.
In previous years, Myanmar was among the countries with the highest incidences of dengue fever infections in Southeast Asia. However, this year’s numbers show a noteworthy reduction compared to the infections reported in the previous year, as stated by the ministry on Friday.
Ministry of Health spokesperson, Than Naing Soe, highlighted the efforts made at the beginning of the year that contributed to the decline in cases. These efforts included comprehensive measures to combat the dengue virus effectively.
“Our focus was on eradicating mosquito larvae to tackle dengue. Additionally, we carried out fogging operations around 30 houses near the location of an infected patient to eliminate mosquitoes,” he explained.
The health ministry also issued crucial guidelines for dealing with dengue fever, aligning with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). They urged for immediate hospitalization of children with fever during the rainy season to prevent further spread of the disease.
Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, manifests with various symptoms such as severe headaches, high fever, exhaustion, muscle and joint pain, swollen glands, vomiting, and a characteristic rash.
Myanmar typically experiences a peak in dengue fever cases during the rainy season, particularly in the months of June, July, and August, according to the health ministry’s observations. The recent decline in cases is seen as a positive sign in the ongoing efforts to combat the disease and protect public health.
