Ho Chi Minh City Reports Four Dengue Deaths Early in Rainy Season

Ho Chi Minh City is on high alert for dengue fever, having already recorded four deaths since the beginning of 2026. Cases have shown an upward trend since late 2025, and the number of infections in early 2026 exceeds the same period last year, according to health officials.

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2026 is a time that requires special vigilance as dengue fever cases have started to show signs of increasing since late 2025, and the number of cases from the beginning of 2026 to now is also higher than the same period last year.

Dr. Le Hong Nga, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), stated that dengue fever's global burden is growing significantly. While cases increased about 30-fold between 1950 and 2000, the last decade has seen a further six-fold rise, expanding into regions previously unaffected. In Vietnam, the southern region consistently accounts for 40-50% of national cases, with Ho Chi Minh City experiencing daily new infections across its districts.

Notably, dengue fever is no longer primarily a disease of young children. Over half of the current cases involve individuals over 15 years old, with the 11-15 and 16-30 age groups most affected. Outbreaks are occurring more frequently, with epidemic peaks now potentially occurring every 3-4 years, compared to the previous 5-year cycle. Major outbreaks were recorded in 2016, 2019, and 2022.

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Globally, the burden of dengue fever is growing. If the period from 1950-2000 saw about a 30-fold increase in cases, the last 10 years have seen a further six-fold increase and the disease has expanded its range to many areas that previously had few cases, including some European countries.

The four fatalities recorded this year are concerning, as they include both children and adults, many with underlying health conditions or who sought treatment late. Dr. Pham Van Quang, Head of the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department at Children's Hospital 1, anticipates further increases as the rainy season begins. He urges parents to seek medical attention for children with fevers lasting two to three days, especially if accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or signs of bleeding.

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Dengue fever is no longer primarily a disease of young children; currently, more than half of the cases are people over 15 years old. The age group recording the most cases is 11-15 years old, followed by the 16-30 year old age group.

While a dengue vaccine is available in Vietnam, its uptake remains low. Health officials emphasize the continued importance of traditional prevention methods, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, removing standing water, and monitoring personal health for early signs of infection.

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Although Vietnam has a dengue fever vaccine, it is a new vaccine, so the public's access to it is still not high.