Quarantine area at Tan Uyen city Medical Centre, Binh Duong province (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is taking measures to respond to monkeypox, as several cases have been detected in the southern region in recent days, according to Luong Chan Quang, deputy head of the Disease Control and Prevention Department of the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City.
Regarding the two cases reported in Dong Nai and Binh Duong provinces, Quang said that both were discovered and tested on the weekend.
As soon as a suspected case of monkeypox came to Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital for examination on September 22 afternoon, the hospital quickly conducted epidemiological investigation, held consultation and sent samples to the Pasteur Institute in the city. The results were returned on the morning of September 23.
With the second case, the Binh Duong provincial Centre for Disease Control verified, investigated and sent samples to the Pasteur Institute on September 23 evening. The test results were announced on the morning of the next day.
The investigation and verification of cases and close contacts was carried out by the disease control centre right after receiving information about the suspected case without waiting for test results, Quang said.
Available information showed that both patients began feeling sick at their place of residence, and had no recent contact with foreigners. They have not traveled abroad recently, either.
In the context of globalisation and easy travel and trade between countries, the risk of this disease entering each country is high. Therefore, to prevent the disease from spreading widely in the community, each person needs to be aware and follow the instructions of the health sector. This is the case not only for monkeypox but also for other infectious diseases, he stressed.
To prevent monkeypox, people need to regularly wash their hands with soap and clean water or hand sanitiser. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The doctor advised individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever and acute pustular rash to seek immediate medical attention and self-isolate to prevent further transmission. Additionally, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands regularly are crucial preventive measures.
It is worth noting that monkeypox is primarily transmitted through direct contact, including sexual intercourse, from the initial onset of symptoms. Health authorities stress the importance of avoiding contact with wounds, body fluids, droplets, and contaminated objects and equipment, he added.
Monkeypox was first reported in 1958 in monkeys raised for research.
Since April 2022, the epidemic infections have been found at 43 sites in 16 countries. Before April 2022, monkeypox virus infection in humans was seldom reported outside African regions where it is endemic.
Health authorities stress the importance of avoiding contact with wounds, body fluids, droplets, and contaminated objects and equipment (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The incubation period is usually from six to thirteen days. Symptoms may vary, depending on the stage of the disease, but are similar to smallpox.
Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms also include a rash that looks like blisters on the face or inside of the mouth or in other parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The disease can clear up on its own within 2-3 weeks.
Vietnam reported its first two monkeypox cases last year.
They were found to have contracted the virus after returning to Vietnam from Dubai through Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and were immediately quarantined upon arrival./.
