The escalating dengue fever epidemic in Vietnam presents urgent health challenges amid climate change. As reported by health officials, the situation has become increasingly dire, with a staggering rise in cases across the country. The Department of Health of Ho Chi Minh City revealed in 2024 that dengue fever is set to become an acute global problem, registering a record number of cases that nearly doubled compared to the previous year. Brazil, for instance, reported over 10 million cases during the same period, while the Philippines registered more than 43,000 cases by mid-February 2025, a staggering 56% increase above the usual peak seen in June.
The dengue fever crisis highlights important health risks, as individuals can fall ill from the virus multiple times throughout their lives. Health experts cautioned that repeated infections are notably more dangerous than the initial bout, leading to unforeseen complications for patients. The intensive outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City serves as a stark reminder; by the seventh week of 2025, the city recorded 3,431 dengue cases, reflecting a 125.3% increase from the same timeframe in 2024. This alarming rise in incidents puts extra pressure on the healthcare system, ultimately leading to increased hospitalizations and treatment challenges.
Changing climate patterns have been identified as a crucial factor in the epidemic’s surge. Poor urban planning, along with more frequent and intense rainfall, has resulted in stagnant water, creating abundant breeding habitats for Aedes mosquitoes— the primary carriers of the dengue virus. In recent years, the southern region of Vietnam—which includes Ho Chi Minh City—has been particularly affected, making up about 41% of the 141,000 dengue cases nationwide in 2024. Formerly, the Mekong Delta experienced outbreaks primarily during the rainy season; however, now, these infections have intensified even in dry periods, posing new challenges in disease control efforts.
Further compounding risks are the healthcare implications of severe dengue cases. Research conducted using data from the PubMed system indicates that about 3.3% to 4.8% of hospitalized patients with dengue fever are at risk of developing acute renal failure, with 14.1% of these cases requiring dialysis. Reports of severe cases emphasize the urgency of addressing this epidemic. For instance, an 11-year-old boy from Binh Chanh was hospitalized in early March 2025 in a state of shock due to dengue, grappling with severe respiratory failure and blood clotting disorders. His case illustrates the intense strain on hospitals, which often struggle to provide adequate care due to overcrowding from these severe episodes.
The epidemic also carries a significant economic burden, as the costs associated with treating complicated dengue cases can be exorbitant. Recovering from dengue takes one to two weeks, or longer if there are complications requiring hospitalization. The necessity for intensive care not only affects the patients themselves, who endure pain and fatigue, but also places a heavy financial strain on families as they navigate care obligations during illness. This cycle of suffering extends beyond individual patients to their households, impacting work productivity and income.
Despite the presence of an internationally recognized treatment regimen in Vietnam, the dengue epidemic is stubbornly complicated by various factors, particularly those related to climate change. The anticipated introduction of a vaccine in Vietnam is expected to play a critical role in curbing the disease's spread and reducing hospitalization numbers. Experts believe that it could help lessen the burden on healthcare systems while signifying a significant step in the fight against this recurring health threat.
Moving forward, citizens are urged to engage actively in dengue prevention efforts. Holding on to personal responsibility and practices to mitigate mosquito breeding sites will be essential in turning the tide against dengue fever. From maintaining cleanliness around homes to appropriate waste management, every action contributes to reducing risks associated with dengue. As the nation rallies to address this health crisis, awareness and collective action stand as the primary lines of defense against what has become a challenging epidemic.
