Laos reports 267 new cases of dengue fever

Lao reported 267 new cases of dengue fever, according to a report from Lao Ministry of Health.

   As of Monday, 6,470 people have been diagnosed with the disease and 11 deaths were recorded, according to the Center of Information and Education for health under Lao Ministry of Health.

   The highest number of 1,515 dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane with four deaths, while 735 cases and two deaths were recorded in Bolikhamxay, and 648 cases in Vientiane province.

   Lao health authorities urged people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help control the spread of dengue fever.

   According to the World Health Organization, dengue is one of the fastest emerging infections and is currently the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease known, with Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore also seeing high incidence.

   The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years.