Hanoi has reported a significant increase in Covid-19 cases, with 185 new infections recorded across 76 wards and communes in the past week. This figure represents a nearly twofold increase compared to the previous week, marking the third week in a row that the number of cases has risen. According to the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC), the total number of Covid-19 cases in the city has now reached 588 since the beginning of the year, with no reported fatalities.

The surge in cases coincides with the summer holiday period, which has seen a rise in travel and social gatherings, creating favorable conditions for respiratory viruses to spread. The CDC has warned that the number of infections is expected to continue increasing in the coming weeks, putting pressure on the healthcare system.

Currently, the Central Tropical Hospital is treating 18 Covid-19 patients, most of whom are elderly or have underlying health conditions, placing them at a higher risk for severe illness. Common initial symptoms among hospitalized patients include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and nausea.

In light of the ongoing risk of viral mutations, health authorities are urging the public, especially those in high-risk groups, to closely monitor their health and limit exposure at the first sign of symptoms. Vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure.

In addition to Covid-19, Hanoi has also reported 146 cases of dengue fever in the past week, an increase of 50 cases from the previous week, along with three new outbreaks in Chuong Duong, Thanh Oai, and Viet Hung. Since the start of the year, the city has recorded 871 dengue cases, which is double the number reported during the same period in 2023. The rise in dengue cases is attributed to the rainy weather, which is conducive to mosquito breeding.

Meanwhile, the hand-foot-and-mouth disease has seen 109 cases reported this week, a slight decrease from the previous week, but the risk of an outbreak remains high as students prepare to return to school in August and September.

In response to the increasing number of infectious diseases, the Hanoi CDC is tightening surveillance measures to detect, contain, and effectively manage outbreaks as they arise.

Globally, the Chinese CDC has also reported a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in China this summer, with a continuous increase in positive test rates over six weeks. In June, approximately 79,000 cases were reported in China, with 130 classified as severe and one death.