Khanh Hoa's health authorities are praying mosquito-killing chemicals to curb dengue fever and Zika virus. (Source: VNA)Khanh Hoa (VNA) – The southern coastal province of Khanh Hoa’s health authorities are taking drastic measures to minimise the double risk of dengue fever and Zika virus spread, following the report of one Zika virus case in the locality.
Most of measures focus on killing mosquitoes and mosquito larvae, especially Aedes aegypti striped mosquito which can carry both Zika and dengue fever viruses.
Last year, around 9,200 dengue fever cases were reported in Khanh Hoa, the worst year since 2004 and since the beginning of this year, the province has recorded nearly 3,000 cases.
The dengue fever epidemic is predicted to get worse in June-July and September-October when the weather is favourable for the development of striped mosquitoes.
Tran Dac Phu, Head of the General Department of Preventive Medicine, said Khanh Hoa is among provinces most vulnerable to dengue fever and as a tourist destination, the risk of Zika virus is also very high.
According to Nguyen Dac Tai, Vice Chairman of provincial People’s Committee, the province has formed teams to spray mosquito-killing chemicals in the whole province within April.
The supervision at international border gates such as airports and seaports has been stepped up to deal with any emerging suspect cases.-VNA
