In response to the increase of the number of cases and
deaths due to Dengue Haemorrhagic
Fever (DHF) in southern Vietnam,
an active laboratory-based surveillance and control for dengue/DHF was
implemented with the aim to monitor the disease activity and to evaluate its
results regarding DHF surveillance and control. This approach is outlined, as
follows: To monitor the dengue viruses transmitted in the areas, Mac ELISA
tests were used to detect dengue virus circulation by testing the blood of
patients with nonspecific febrile illness. The patient’s sera were collected by
health workers of Commune Health Centers, then taken to the Center for Preventive
Medicine of Dong Nai province and processed to detect dengue-specific IgM
antibody to provide early detection of the dengue transmission. A
rapid-response emergency vector control was proceeded
when specific dengue antibodies were detected to kill infected mosquitoes, with
the aim to limit the virus spreading into subsequent parts of the village. The
goal of this study is to prevent major dengue epidemics by reducing dengue
transmission. The rationale is that if we can decrease incidence, we will
automatically reduce the likelihood of DHF/DSS occurring in the region. After a
one-year experience, we found that the use of insecticide
aerosol can reduce the DHF morbidity to a lower level and the use of ULV
spraying has no effect for the DHF control in an endemic area.