Illustrative image (Source: nld.com.vn) HCM City (VNA) - An outbreak of chickenpox has been reported atGunze Vietnam Co Ltd in HCM City’s Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone, with 30people contracting the disease since November 17, according to the HCM CityPreventive Health Centre.
The centre warned thatthe current weather is favourable for the spread of chickenpox.
Dr Nguyen Tri Dung, thecentre’s head, said that the company was provided with disinfectants for itspremises to avoid a further spread.
It also advised thecompany’s staff to maintain hygiene, wear masks, and wash their hands regularlyto avoid transmission, he said.
It also told workers notvaccinated against the disease to immediately get a shot, he said.
The city Department ofHealth has urged the HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zone Authorityto take preventive measures against contagious diseases at export processingand industrial parks.
Companies there arerequired to report to district preventive health centres within 14 days whentwo workers become ill.
When a disease breaksout, they are required to co-operate with health officials to prevent furtherspread.
Truong Huu Khanh, headof the infection and neurology ward at Paediatrics Hospital 1, said thechickenpox season lasts from December to May or June.
People who have not beenvaccinated could get the disease, Khanh warned, saying that when one member ofa family is infected the remaining members could be too.
It spreads easily incrowded environments, he said.
“The virus can betransmitted from patients to other ones through tiny droplets when they havenot had blisters or red spots.”
The disease is more virulentin adults than in children, he said.
It affects the foetuswhen a pregnant woman contracts the disease within the first three months, hesaid.
A person who contractsthe disease could develop skin infection and encephalitis and even die, headded.-VNA
