Dengue Fever Cases Surge Nearly 100% in Southern Vietnam, Raising Public Health Concerns
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A dramatic increase in dengue fever cases is alarming health officials in southern Vietnam, with infections rising by 97% in the first eight months of the year compared to 2024. The surge is prompting urgent action from the government and a heightened focus on preventative measures.
Mounting Cases and Fatalities
As of August 3, authorities in the south reported more than 44,400 cases of dengue and 11 related deaths. This represents a significant jump from the 22,473 cases and seven deaths recorded during the same period last year. A concerning trend is that approximately 70% of the fatalities have been among adults.
Dengue Cases Exceed Previous Year’s Total
The scale of the outbreak is particularly worrying, with the number of cases in the first six months of 2025 already equaling the total number of cases reported for all of 2024. “The situation is critical,” stated a senior official from the Institut Pasteur de Ho Chi Minh City.
Dominance of Dengue Serotype 2
Analysis of nearly 500 serum samples reveals that DenV-2, also known as serotype 2 dengue virus, has been the predominant strain circulating since 2022. This serotype is known for causing more severe epidemics and a higher rate of serious illness compared to other dengue types. While the current serious case rate of 2.3% remains consistent with historical averages, officials are closely monitoring the situation. The mortality rate is currently low, at 0.027% in adults and 0.021% in children.
Other Infectious Diseases on the Rise
The health concerns extend beyond dengue. Southern Vietnam is also experiencing increases in other infectious diseases. As of August 3, 36,141 cases of aphteuse fever and 11 deaths were reported, a 31.7% increase year-over-year. An uptick in hand-foot-and-mouth disease is anticipated with the start of the school year. Additionally, the region has recorded 38,850 cases of measles and seven deaths during this period.
Chikungunya Risk Remains
While no cases of chikungunya have been detected within Vietnam’s border provinces, health officials warn of a potential risk of the virus entering the country. Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes Albopictus and Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, causes significant pain and prolonged disability, impacting the quality of life for those infected, though it is rarely fatal.
The Prime Minister has ordered the strengthening of measures to combat the spread of dengue and other infectious diseases, signaling the seriousness with which the government is addressing this growing public health crisis.
