Da Nang city on alert for H7N9 outbreaks hinh anh 1A health employee sprays chemicals to remove disease-carrying bacteria at a border gate with China where the disease is spreading. (Source: VNA)

Da Nang (VNA) – Central Da Nang city has launched a series of preventive measures to prevent the outbreaks of H7N9 avian influenza in the city.

Health authority of the province has intensified entry screenings of travellers, vehicles and commodities through Da Nang International Airport and Tien Sa Seaport to detect any suspects of having the dangerous influenza’s symptoms.

The municipal Health Department has requested the International Quarantine Centre of Da Nang to keep a close watch on the passengers, particularly those travelling from disease-affected areas.

The city’s preventive medicine centre, hospitals and district-level medical stations have been ordered to actively coordinate with relevant agencies in the epidemic prevention.

According to Doctor Pham Truc Lam, Director of the International Quarantine Centre of Da Nang, more than half of international flights from disease-affected areas are from China, raising the risk of the virus entering Vietnam.

The centre has also allocated staff to conduct screenings round the clock at border gates and prepared all necessary facilities for any emergencies.

Two mobile teams of health workers have been set up by the municipal preventive medicine centre while each district-level medical station sets up one to help control the situation.

The centre provided local people with guides on how to stay hygienic and not use poultry products with unclear origin. It also advised people with suspected influenza symptoms to visit medical clinics immediately.-VNA