Ministry of Health maintains high vigilance for Zika virus

Mosquito Aedes Aegypti can transmit several tropical fevers, including diseases caused by Zika virus.(Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Updated information on the latest development of Zika virus and response measures suitable with the situation was the focus of a meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) held by the Ministry of Health on May 1.

According to the representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the meeting, as of April 28, Zika virus has existed in 68 countries and territories and Zika infections passed by mosquitoes have been reported in 55 countries and territories.

In Vietnam, according to reports from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and localities, no new Zika cases have been discovered following the reporting of two cases in Ho Chi Minh City and Khanh Hoa province.

Health experts, however, said in the near future there is a high risk of new Zika cases, especially in regions prone to dengue fever, so the number of cases may increase during the upcoming dengue fever season this summer.

The General Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health confirmed that at the moment Vietnam is applying a Level 2 warning alert according to the action plan on preventing Zika virus and to fight against the disease.

Agencies under the MoH will maintain high vigilance, and continue to take test samples with a view to early detecting and dealing with any emerging cases as well as to intensify public communications campaigns on killing mosquitoes and larvae.

The MoH will continue working closely with the WHO and international organisations to update expert instructions in the supervision, prevention and response to the Zika virus.

The WHO and the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention earlier scientifically agreed that Zika virus is one of the reasons causing small brain in babies.-VNA