Dengue Cases Surge Across Southeast Asia

Dengue fever continues to pose a significant public health threat across Southeast Asia, with Laos reporting 13,139 cases and nine deaths this year, primarily in Vientiane and Sekong. In Jabalpur, India, local authorities are enforcing fines for homes harboring mosquito larvae amidst rising cases, including one confirmed death. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has documented 12,495 dengue cases and 79 fatalities in 2024, marking a concerning trend following last year's record deaths. The Philippine province of Cagayan has identified 1,678 cases, while Tagum City reported a total of 1,406 cases and six deaths, urging residents to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms. Health officials across these regions are emphasizing the importance of mosquito control measures to mitigate the spread of the disease. The World Health Organization highlights dengue as a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, with common symptoms including high fever and body aches.