Dengue cases in Laos have reached 1,992 with five deaths since December 2019, Lao Ministry of Health reported in its press release on Saturday.

The highest number of dengue patients were reported in Lao capital Vientiane at 434. The five deaths included two in Lao capital Vientiane and one each in Xayaboury, Khammuan and Luang Namtha province.

Lao health authorities urged people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes and workplaces to help control the spread of dengue fever.

According to the World Health Organization, dengue fever is one of the fastest emerging infections, with Thailand, Vientiane, the Philippines and Singapore also seeing high incidence. The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years.