Experts are warning against an outbreak of dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth disease as humid weather continues.

Medical staff distribute anti-mosquito chemicals to people. (Photo: suckhoedoisong.vn)

Meanwhile, Southern and Central provinces are entering the peak season of dengue fever as extreme weather events create favorable conditions for mosquitoes.

“We have to continue reinforcing solutions in the next six weeks to prevent a second outbreak,” said Nguyen Nhat Cam, Director of the Hanoi Preventative Health Center.

In Hanoi from October 2^nd to 8^th, 1,068 dengue cases were recorded, 160 fewer than the previous week and 2,501 fewer than the peak week in August.

Officials leading prevention efforts have encountered several challenges. In Ha Dong district, larvae have been found in several households, construction works and public places.

Meanwhile, medical staff who are in charge of spraying anti-mosquito chemical could not cover the entire area due to a shortage of staff.

According to Cam, the Ministry of Health (MoH) evaluated the outbreak two weeks ago and estimated the disease would be under control by November if prevention measures were well adopted.

According to the MoH, Vietnam has had more than 70,000 cases of hand-foot-mouth since the beginning of the year. In Hanoi, 450 patients were infected with the disease.

The ministry has urgently asked provinces to implement prevention solutions.

Hand-foot-mouth disease is a viral infection that commonly occurs in children under the age of 10. Although it usually resolves on its own after seven to 10 days, it can lead to encephalitis, myocarditis, pulmonary oedema or even death.

The ministry has recommended people to practise proper hand-washing with soap, clean shared utensils, disinfect contaminated surfaces and avoiding direct contact with infected inpiduals.

If children display signs and symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease, including fever, nausea or skin lesions, parents should take them to the nearest medical facility for diagnosis and treatment./.

( VNF/VNA )