Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has raised concerns about a complex dengue situation, highlighting the potential for a prolonged outbreak. In 2025, the country reported over 181,000 cases of dengue fever, with 36 deaths recorded, according to the ministry. Nguyen Trong Khoa, deputy director of the Department of Medical Service Administration, has cautioned that the outbreak may continue into 2026.
Dengue, also known as break-bone fever, is a viral illness transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, more prevalent in tropical regions. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash, with severe cases requiring hospital care. To mitigate the risk of dengue, individuals are advised to prevent mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours.
The global incidence of dengue has surged in recent years, with cases rising from 505,430 in 2000 to 14.6 million in 2024. The disease, now endemic in over 100 countries, poses challenges due to factors such as climate change, vector distribution changes, and strained healthcare systems. In 2024, a record number of dengue cases were reported worldwide, with over 14.6 million cases and 12,000 deaths, notably impacting the Americas region.
