As many as 70 outbreaks of dengue fever have been reported in the central province of Phu Yen since the beginning of 2013, affecting 1,653 people and killing three, according to the provincial Health Department.

All the victims died in July, with the youngest being only four years old.

Phu Yen province has allocated 900 million VND (42,000 USD) from its budget to implement preventive measures against the disease, particularly the spray of anti-mosquito chemicals in high risk areas.

However, low awareness of grassroots authorities and people in disease prevention and treatment have caused difficulties to the fight against dengue fever in the locality.-VNA