From January to August 10, the number of people infected with dengue fever in Yangon reached 2,031 and the death toll, 19, according to Yangon Region Public Health Department.

Dr. Nay Yi Yi Lin, Project Manager of Dengue Fever Prevention and Control Program said: “Take a look at the dengue cases nationwide, both Ayeyawady and Yangon Regions have topped the list of dengue transmission and mortality rates. High dengue cases are also reported in Rakhine, Kachin and Mon States. Last year, there were 3,649 dengue cases and 25 deaths in Yangon. The mortality rate among the children aged between five and nine is the highest. The ministry is monitoring the outbreaks of dengue. Since mid-June till September, the dengue transmission rate has been on the upward trend. It is a peak season every year.”

According to the statement by the Ministry of Health and Sports on September 4, from January to August 10, the number of people infected with dengue fever reached 13,048 and the death toll, 68 nationwide. Ayeyawady topped the list with 2,350 cases and eight deaths. The high number of dengue cases and deaths were also reported Yangon, Rakhine, Kachin and Mon.

The number of dengue cases has increased significantly around the globe including Myanmar. Last year, there were 23,000 dengue cases and 112 deaths nationwide.

The dengue cases are mostly reported in Hlaingthayar,  Shwepyitha, Insein, Mingaladon, South Dagon, East Dagon, Thanlyin, Hlegu, Thaketa and Dagon Seikkan Townships.

From 1955 to 1959, there were 905 dengue cases in Myanmar. Beyond 2010, the number of dengue patients increased to over two million. The number of dengue cases in Myanmar increased from over 6,000 in 1974-1976 to over 40,000 in 2015, according to Ministry of Health and Sports.