As Vietnam braces for a challenging dengue fever season in 2025, health experts and authorities are sounding urgent alarms about a sharp rise in cases and the critical need for proactive measures to prevent severe complications and fatalities.
On July 26, 2025, a public health forum titled "Dengue Fever: Unexpected Complications from Small Misconceptions" was held at Ho Chi Minh City's Book Street. Organized by the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City and Takeda Vietnam, the event brought together leading medical professionals who emphasized the dangers of dengue fever (known locally as SXH Dengue) and highlighted how common misunderstandings and improper treatment practices are fueling an alarming increase in cases and severe outcomes.
According to data from Vietnam's Ministry of Health's Department of Preventive Medicine, the country recorded over 32,000 dengue cases nationwide by early July 2025. The southern region, in particular, accounts for more than 70% of these cases, with hotspots like Ho Chi Minh City experiencing a dramatic surge. As of July 13, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City alone reported 15,538 dengue cases—a staggering 159.4% increase compared to the 5,990 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. Tragically, these numbers include 10 deaths across Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces such as Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Some provinces have seen even more dramatic spikes: Ben Tre's cases soared by 346.5%, Tay Ninh by 274.3%, Long An by 208.6%, and Dong Nai by 191.7%. The Ba Ria-Vung Tau region has reported 172 outbreaks, with 21 new ones emerging in just two weeks, concentrated in wards like Phuoc Thang and Tam Thang.
Experts warn that the 2025 dengue epidemic could be particularly complex. The rainy season, coupled with prolonged storms in some areas, creates ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito, the vector responsible for dengue transmission. This weather pattern also complicates early diagnosis and timely treatment, increasing the risk of severe disease progression.
Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Infectious Diseases Association and former Head of the Infectious and Neurology Department at Children's Hospital 1, highlighted a critical problem: "Many dengue cases are mistaken for common viral fevers, leading patients to underestimate the severity and delay seeking medical care. This delay is often why patients arrive at hospitals late, with a higher risk of severe complications." He pointed out that the fever reduction phase—the period when the fever subsides—is actually the most dangerous time if patients are not closely monitored by healthcare professionals.
Adding to the concern, obesity and existing chronic illnesses have emerged as significant risk factors for severe dengue. At the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, severe dengue cases in adults have surpassed those in children. Dr. Huynh Trung Trieu, Deputy Head of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit there, remarked, "Dengue is no longer just a disease of children and young adults. We are seeing many healthy adults and those with underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension developing complex complications such as shock, liver failure, and severe bleeding. The mortality risk in adults with severe dengue is higher than in children." This shift challenges the common perception that dengue primarily threatens young populations.
Meanwhile, in northern Vietnam, Hanoi's health authorities have also noted a worrying trend, albeit with a different scale and pattern. During the week of July 18-25, 2025, Hanoi recorded 72 new dengue cases across 38 wards and communes—a doubling from the previous week. Since the start of the year, Hanoi has documented 475 dengue cases spread over 100 wards, with 15 active outbreaks. Although this is a significant decrease compared to over 1,400 cases during the same period in 2024, the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC) warns that the number of cases is trending upward, with insect indices in outbreak areas reaching high-risk levels.
Currently, Hanoi has seven active dengue outbreaks, including clusters in Kieu Mai (8 patients), Song Khe, Tam Hung, and Tay Ho (each with 2 cases), and single cases in Hat Mon, Vinh Tuy, and Phuong Duc. Fortunately, Hanoi has not reported any dengue-related deaths so far in 2025.
However, the Hanoi CDC cautions that the city's humid, rainy summer climate is conducive to dengue spread, marking the beginning of a potentially widespread outbreak. The Ministry of Health has forecast that dengue cases will continue to rise as the peak months of the disease approach. This warning comes amid a backdrop of other infectious diseases also increasing in Hanoi, including hand-foot-mouth disease, which recorded 88 new cases last week, bringing the total to 3,293 cases in 2025—nearly double the 1,710 cases reported during the same period in 2024. Measles cases have also increased, with 28 new cases recorded in 21 wards and one death reported this year.
Experts at the Ho Chi Minh City forum unanimously agreed that the most effective and sustainable way to combat dengue is through proactive prevention. This includes community health education to dispel dangerous misconceptions and promote early medical consultation, as well as vaccination programs that can help reduce the risk of infection and severe disease.
One of the most common misconceptions leading to severe dengue is the belief that "mild fever is nothing serious." Many patients attempt to self-treat by infusing fluids at home or taking antibiotics without medical supervision—both potentially harmful actions that can accelerate disease progression. Such practices underscore the need for widespread public education on recognizing dengue symptoms and understanding when to seek professional care.
The Ministry of Health stresses that dengue fever is characterized by high fever, bleeding, and plasma leakage, which can cause hypovolemic shock, coagulation disorders, and organ failure if not promptly diagnosed and treated. These complications can be fatal, especially when patients delay hospital admission or receive inappropriate treatment.
Given the increasing numbers and severity of dengue cases in both southern and northern Vietnam, health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and adhere strictly to preventive measures. As the rainy season continues, the battle against dengue fever is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
With the combination of heightened awareness, community engagement, and medical advances such as vaccination, Vietnam aims to curb the dengue surge and reduce its toll on public health. But as the experts warn, ignoring small misconceptions or delaying action could have deadly consequences.
