Lessons from subjectivity
According to data from Vinh Long General Hospital, the number of dengue fever cases as of now in 2025 has reached 282 cases - a figure much higher than the 190 cases recorded in the same period in 2024.
One of the factors contributing to the complication of dengue fever is the subjective mentality, taking the disease lightly for granted, which still exists in a part of the population.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Loan - a mother whose child has just undergone days of dengue fever treatment at Vinh Long General Hospital - said that at first, seeing the fever, she subjectively thought it was a common cold, so she only took her child to a private clinic in Long Ho district to get fever-reducing vaccines.
"When I had a cold, cried, and was lethargic, I was shocked to take my child to the Provincial General Hospital, but the doctor said that I had turned serious. This is an invaluable lesson for my subjectivity and lack of understanding," Ms. Loan added.
Not only parents, but even young people tend to take the dangers of dengue fever lightly.
Mr. Tran Van Binh, 22 years old, currently a garment worker, has just recovered from an illness. He said that at first, he felt a mild fever and headache, thinking it was a common cold, so he only bought medicine to drink.
"At that time, I only thought that my salary would be deducted from my leave, and I felt sorry for a few working days so I didn't go to the doctor. Only when my body was swollen and I had severe abdominal pain did I realize I had dengue fever. I was too subjective and almost had to face dangerous complications," Mr. Binh added.
Resolutely directed by the health sector
Talking to Lao Dong, Dr. Tran Chi Cong - Deputy Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Vinh Long General Hospital - recommended that parents should pay special attention to the early signs of dengue fever in children such as sudden high fever, headache, eye pain, abdominal pain.
"Absolutely do not arbitrarily treat at home but take your child to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment. At the same time, it is necessary to proactively implement disease prevention measures at home such as killing mosquito larvae and sleeping on the mat. Proactively prevent social exclusion by fully vaccinating 2 doses, 3 months apart," added Dr. Chi Cong.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Dr. Ho Thi Thu Hang - Director of Vinh Long Department of Health - said that there have been strong instructions for medical units in the area to synchronously deploy epidemic prevention measures.
Key activities include increasing propaganda to raise public awareness of the dangers of the disease and preventive measures.
According to Ms. Hang, it is also very important to promote a large-scale campaign to kill mosquito larvae and spray mosquito repellent in high-risk areas. In addition, it also strengthens treatment capacity at medical facilities to promptly respond to the epidemic situation.
"To effectively control dengue fever, joining hands and raising awareness of disease prevention of each citizen is a key factor. Eliminate subjectivity, seriously implement preventive measures not only to protect personal health but also to contribute significantly to preventing the spread of the epidemic in the community", the Director of the Department of Health added.
