Localities strengthen prevention of dengue fever, Zika virus
Localities are intensifying measures to prevent dengue fever and Zika virus.
Spraying chemical to kill off mosquitoes (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Localities are intensifying measures to prevent dengue fever and Zika virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, the dengue infections dropped by 20 percent in the first months of 2017. However, at present, the disease is increasing in some cities and provinces such as Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Thuan, Thua Thien-Hue, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Hau Giang and Dak Lak.
The country has recorded several Zika cases in some cities and provinces in the south where the rainy season is creating favourable conditions for mosquitoes to develop.
Given the fact, the health ministry has requested the centrally-run provincial and municipal People’s Committees to direct departments, organisations and people to actively eliminate mosquito larva to prevent the spread of the diseases.
Localities must ensure medicine, chemicals and necessary equipment to carry out prevention activities.
The provincial and municipal health departments are ordered to increase inspection for the early detection of infections and prevention of outbreaks.
The health sector will open more training courses on monitoring patients, spraying chemicals, and dealing with outbreaks.
Medical facilities should ensure the prompt treatment of patients to limit the number of fatalities.
The Departments of Information and Communication is responsible for coordinating with the heath sector to raise public awareness of preventive measures.
The Departments of Finance need to proactively provide money for the prevention activities.
Vietnam recorded nearly 6,900 cases of dengue fever in April, compared to the average figure of 4,000 in the first three months of the year.
According to the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of this year, 20,947 people have contracted the disease, with eight losing their lives.
In 2016, Vietnam detected 227 Zika virus infection cases, of which 207 are residents of Ho Chi Minh City.
Since the beginning of 2017, HCM City has reported 19 Zika virus cases.
Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying the virus. Its symptoms include high fever, headaches and joint aches, which can be confused with symptoms of other diseases.
Meanwhile, Zika virus is transmitted from human to human by mosquitoes. Infections have been linked to the birth defect microcephaly and miscarriages, posing a significant threat to pregnant women.
There is currently no vaccine or effective treatment for the infection and companies and scientists are racing to develop a vaccine.-VNA
You should also see
NA leader: Mutual support should be further promoted in community
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has called on the community to continue upholding and expanding the fine tradition of mutual support of the Vietnamese community so as to ease the difficulties facing the poor and victims of calamities.
See more
Health
Vietnamese returning home via land border gates exempt from quarantine fees
In any circumstances, Vietnamese people entering the country through land border gates and undergoing quarantine in military establishments will be exempted from quarantine fees, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said on January 15.
Health
National medical council makes debut
The national medical council officially made its debut at a ceremony in Hanoi on January 15, which has been regarded as a milestone of the domestic health care sector.
Health
Five imported cases of COVID-19 bring national tally to 1,536
Vietnam’s COVID-19 tally rose to 1,536 after five imported cases were reported on January 15, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.
Health
Int’l cooperation needed for COVID-19 fight: Official
Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung on January 15 highlighted the need to enhance international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, especially as the disease still threatens the lives of millions of people around the world.
Health
HCM City sees high HIV infection risk from undetected virus carriers
An estimated 5,500 people living with HIV in the community have yet to be identified in Ho Chi Minh City, with about 30 percent having high viral load rates that are potentially transmitting the virus to others, according to Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Health Nguyen Huu Hung.
