Health

Vietnam steps up surveillance amid chikungunya surge in Asia

Although no local cases have been detected, Vietnam is entering the peak season for Aedes mosquitoes while increased domestic and international travel during summer adds to the risk of the virus entering and spreading quickly.

A worker sprays chemicals to kill mosquitoes. (Photo: VNA)
A worker sprays chemicals to kill mosquitoes. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Health has warned of a heightened risk of the mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus entering Vietnam, as outbreaks spread in several countries and territories in the region.

Chikungunya causes fever and severe joint pain, and is spread mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, also vectors for dengue fever and Zika virus. Most cases are mild and fatalities are rare, adults and newborns face a higher risk of severe illness.

On July 22, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an alert about the rapid spread of Chikungunya, citing major outbreaks on Indian Ocean islands such as La Réunion and Mayotte, now extending to parts of Africa, South Asia, and Europe.

In China’s Guangdong province, health authorities have recorded over 4,800 cases in the first half of 2025, the largest outbreak ever reported there. Singapore has reported 17 cases so far this year, more than double the same period in 2024, with most linked to travel to outbreak areas abroad.

Although no local cases have been detected, Vietnam is entering the peak season for Aedes mosquitoes, with high densities recorded in many localities. Increased domestic and international travel during summer adds to the risk of the virus entering and spreading quickly.

The ministry has ordered tighter surveillance at border checkpoints, tourist areas, communities, and healthcare facilities, especially for arrivals from outbreak zones. Local authorities have been instructed to step up mosquito-control measures, including eliminating standing water, disposing of waste containers, and intensifying public awareness campaigns in tandem with dengue prevention drives.

The ministry is also working closely with WHO, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and domestic experts to assess risks and prepare response measures. Guidance and training for medical staff are being updated, while medicines, diagnostic kits, and emergency supplies are being stocked.

The ministry advises travellers returning from affected countries to monitor their health for 12 days and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as sudden high fever, joint pain or rash appear.

Households are urged to cover all water containers, eliminate mosquito breeding sites weekly, wear long-sleeved clothing, sleep under mosquito nets, even during the day, and cooperate with insecticide spraying campaigns.

People travelling to outbreak areas should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and report any symptoms to health authorities./.

VNA
#Chikungunya #Ministry of Health #dengue fever #Zika virus #mosquitoes
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

From 2026, all residents in Ho Chi Minh City will receive periodic health check-ups or screening at least once a year under a roadmap. Illustrative image. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City to offer annual health check-ups for residents

In the initial phase in 2026, priority will be given to children under 24 months old, students, out-of-school minors, contracted employees, probationary workers, apprentices, public officials, members of the armed forces, social protection beneficiaries and people aged 60 and above.

Patients register at the reception desk upon arrival for medical examination. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City targets free basic hospital fees for residents by 2030

Under the programme, the southern largest economic hub has set several key health targets to be achieved by 2030. The average height of children and adolescents under 18 is expected to increase by at least 1.5cm, while the average life expectancy of residents is projected to reach around 77 years, including at least 68 years of healthy living.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam extends greetings to leaders and staff of the Hanoi – Vientiane General Hospital on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Vietnamese Doctors’ Day on February 27. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese doctors in Laos help foster bilateral solidarity

Commending the Hanoi – Vientiane General Hospital’s 13-year development, Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam noted that prioritising conscience and virtue has helped it build a strong reputation among Lao citizens, the Vietnamese community and international friends in Laos.

Organ transplantation at the University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: the University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City)

Professional excellence, dedication define Vietnam’s healthcare system

When patients pull through from the brink of death, when their vital signs stabilise and transplanted hearts begin beating strongly in new bodies, the joy shared by the entire medical team is overwhelming. And when the country welcomes the New Year, saving lives takes on an even more profound significance — offering patients and their families a new spring of hope.

At Phu Rieng communal medical station in Dong Nai province (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam fosters maternal and child healthcare, advances toward 2035 goals

The under-five mortality rate in Vietnam in 2025 was estimated at below 16 per 1,000 live births, more than three times lower than the 1990 level. The infant mortality rate (under one year) declined fourfold to below 11 per 1,000, while the neonatal mortality rate dropped fivefold, from 44 per 1,000 in 1990 to 8.8 per 1,000 in 2025.

Medicine support programmes provide significant benefits to patients throughout their course of treatment. (Photo: VNA)

Over 6,000 patients receive free medicines

The schemes focus primarily on cancer, rare diseases and severe chronic conditions, areas where treatment costs are high and often require expensive biological and originator drugs.

A lung transplant surgery at the National Lung Hospital (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaches new height in organ transplantation

From demanding cross-country transplants to highly specialised procedures nearing regional and international standards, the sector has created new chances of survival for thousands of patients. However, persistent bottlenecks in organ donation and the legal framework highlight the urgent need to further perfect the national donation–transplantation system. In the era of advanced medicine, progress is measured not only by surgical mastery, but also by the ability to turn loss into hope and sustain life.

The DAV asks pharmacy producers and distributors to increase medicine supply capacity during Tet to meet increasing demand (Photo: VNA)

Measures rolled out to ensure adequate medicine supply during Tet

Accordingly, provincial and municipal health departments are required to direct hospitals, centres for disease control and health care facilities to urgently develop plans and carry out medicine procurement to ensure sufficient supply, absolutely avoiding shortages. Medicines must meet quality standards and be sold at reasonable prices, with no sudden price increases allowed.

Military doctors conduct ultrasound examinations for residents in Dong Dang town, Cao Loc district, Lang Son province. (Photo: VNA)

Resolution 72 opens path to a modern, sustainable healthcare system

To build a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the challenges of ageing, emerging diseases and rising expectations for quality care, Vietnam must continue to strengthen primary and preventive care, invest in human resources, accelerate digitalisation and big data development, and refine healthcare financing mechanisms.