Lao urges public to fight against dengue

The Lao Ministry of Health, on Friday, urged local authorities and people to help control the spread of dengue fever.

A total of 164 people have been diagnosed with dengue fever, according to a report by the Centre of Information and Education for Health under the Health.

According to the report, five simple measures are advised as being the most effective method of dengue control.

These measures consist of closing and sealing all unused containers, flushing out all water vessels, placing small guppy fish in water jars as these eat mosquito larvae, cleaning areas around homes and doing these four tasks each week.

People, who are ill, have also been advised to take a blood test in the hospital, said the report.

According to the World Health Organisation, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections, with Thailand, Laos, the Philippines and Singapore also seeing high incidences.

The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years.