Despite a fall in infections, experts say dengue fever is no longer a cyclical disease, and instead there are a high number of cases every year due to climate change, the environment and population characteristics.

Recently, some localities logged an increase in the number of dengue infections partly due to decent rain, creating conditions for the production of larvae. In addition, people’s apathy and lack of self-discipline in dengue prevention and control are also to blame for disease outbreaks.

In Hanoi for instance 745 cases of dengue fever have been diagnosed in all districts and towns since the beginning of the year, more than double the figure recorded in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the Central Highland province of Lam Dong has documented approximately 2,200 cases, about 1,200 cases more than the same period last year. Notably, a patient died of the disease.

According to Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, there is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Vaccines to prevent the disease are available, but they are not widely used.

There are currently two vaccines - CYD-TDV and TAK-003 - that have been pre-evaluated by the World Health Organization and licensed by a number of countries, including Vietnam.

Lien said current prevention and control of dengue fever mainly relies on vector prevention and control and changes in people’s behavior and habits. Countries where dengue fever is endemic have pooled a lot of resources to prevent the disease, but the results are still limited.

In Vietnam, dengue fever prevention and control has been included in the national target programme for more than 10 years, aimed at reducing the incidence rate, reducing the mortality rate and preventing a big epidemic.

However, the prevention and control of dengue fever remains increasingly difficult and challenging, admitted the health official.