Reported: 11 deaths due to dengue in the Southern region
In the southern region of Vietnam, the number of dengue fever cases has seen a significant increase in 2025, with over 15,500 cases and 10 deaths reported by mid-July[2][3][4]. This represents a rise of over 157% compared to the previous year.
The southern region accounts for over 70% of total dengue cases nationally, and the epidemic has shifted from seasonal to year-round occurrence[1]. This surge is compounded by prolonged rainy and stormy weather, which also raises the risk of overlapping epidemics, including potential entry of the chikungunya virus, posing challenges for diagnosis and treatment[1].
The predominant serotype causing infections in southern Vietnam is identified as DENV-2, which is known to be associated with severe cases and complications[1]. Severe dengue cases frequently affect not only children and young adults but also healthy adults and those with underlying conditions, leading to complex disease progression and increased mortality risk[1].
Dr. Lương Chấn Quang, head of the Institute's Department of Disease Control and Prevention, stated that DENV-2 often causes large outbreaks and has a higher rate of severe illness than other types[5]. He made these statements at a meeting on the response to dengue fever and infectious diseases held on Tuesday in HCM City.
The mortality rate in adults due to dengue fever remains low at 0.027%, while in children, it remains low at 0.021%[1]. However, the rate of severe dengue cases is currently at 2.3%[1].
In addition to the rise in dengue fever cases, the number of hand, foot and mouth disease cases increased by 31.7% compared to the same period last year[6]. As of August 3, the southern region recorded 36,141 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease and 11 deaths from hand, foot and mouth disease[1].
There is concern over the risk of chikungunya virus entry, which shares the same Aedes mosquito vector as dengue[1]. No cases of Chikungunya disease have been detected through surveillance systems in border provinces[1].
Prevention efforts include elimination of mosquito breeding sites, protection from bites, and community involvement[2]. It is forecast that hand, foot and mouth infections will increase at the beginning of the upcoming school year.
In summary:
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Dengue case rise | >15,500 cases in Ho Chi Minh City by July 2025; 157% increase year-on-year[2][3][4] | | Geographical focus | Southern Vietnam accounts for 70%+ of national cases; dengue now year-round[1] | | Predominant dengue serotype | DENV-2, associated with severe disease[1] | | Risk factors and impact | Severe complications in adults and vulnerable groups; high treatment costs[1] | | Additional risk | Potential overlapping epidemic including chikungunya virus entry[1] | | Prevention | Elimination of mosquito breeding sites, protection from bites, and community involvement[2] |
This data underscores the urgent need for proactive prevention and coordinated public health responses to control dengue and mitigate risks posed by other arboviruses like chikungunya virus in southern Vietnam.
Sources: [1][2][3][4][5][6]
