Yangon sees over 1,700 dengue fever cases with 15 deaths this year

Yangon sees over 1,700 dengue fever cases with 15 deaths this year
Photo shows Aedes aegypti (eggs) and Aedes aegypit larvae that cause DHF (Photo- Ei Thinzar Kyaw)
Photo shows Aedes aegypti (eggs) and Aedes aegypit larvae that cause DHF (Photo- Ei Thinzar Kyaw)
Published 17 August 2019
Ei Thinzar Kyaw

There were 1,788 cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever and 15 deaths in Yangon Region from January to July 27 this year, the outbreak is increasing in Hlinethaya, Insein and Shwepyitha townships, according to Yangon Region Public Health Department. 

"Looking at DHF outbreaks across Myanmar, most happen in Yangon Region. Then it is followed by Magway, Ayeyawady, Sagaing and Mandalay regions. Most deaths also occur in those regions. There were 3,649 DHF cases and 25 deaths in 2018. DHF is most common among children aged between five and nine. We are always in the monitoring process. The outbreak will increase in the period between mid-June and September every year," said Dr Nay Yi Yi Lin, manager of DHF control project. 

From January  to July 27 in 2019, the whole country saw 10,757 DHF cases with 48 deaths, and most happened in Ayeyawady, Yangon and Mandalay regions and Rakhine and Mon states, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health and Sports on August 14. 

Dengue fever outbreak is significantly increasing in global countries including Myanmar, which saw 23,000 cases and 112 deaths in 2018.