Health

Vietnam readies to tackle Zika virus

The Ministry of Health is coordinating closely with relevant sectors to keep tourists from Zika virus-affected countries under strict monitoring, aiming to prevent the virus from entering Vietnam.
Vietnam readies to tackle Zika virus ảnh 1Illustrative Image (AFP/VNA)


Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Health is coordinating closely with relevant sectors to keep tourists from Zika virus-affected countries under strict monitoring, aiming to prevent the virus from entering Vietnam, reported an online conference in Hanoi on February 2.

The health sector was asked to enhance monitoring work and arrange body temperature scanners at airports and border areas, particularly for passengers returning from Zika virus- hit areas.

The ministry is also building a set of instructions for observation and outlining measures to contain diseases that may be caused by the virus, which is transmitted to humans through the ‘Aedes mosquito” - the main carrier of dengue fever also.

Blood testing will be done for those suspected of carrying Zika virus, helping gather a list of high-risk groups, facilitating management and monitoring for them.

The ministry said it has instructed health care facilities at all levels to prepare well for quarantine and treatment work, while promoting publicity campaigns in a bid to enhance precautionary measures against the virus.

There is a high risk that the virus may enter and spread through the country due to trade and tourism connections with many Zika -hit nations, according to the ministry.

People are advised to reduce traveling to Zika- struck countries, and use mosquito chemical repellent and securely cover all containers of water - to prevent mosquitoes from entering them and laying eggs.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to keep close watch on the spread of the disease.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine under the ministry, the WHO has recorded the most number of Zika virus cases in the Americas and Africa.

Zika virus, first detected in Uganda’s Zika forest in 1947, causes mild fever, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes and conjunctivitis. There is currently no cure for Zika virus, and no vaccine for it.

Vietnam has no case of Zika infection so far.-VNA

VNA
#Zika #Aedes mosquito #dengue fever #Ministry of Health Ha Noi
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Vietnam records no case of Zika virus fever

Vietnam records no case of Zika virus fever

Vietnam has no case of Zika fever so far, but there is a high risk that the virus may enter and spread in the country, as it has been recorded in several other Southeast Asian nations.
No case of Zika infection reported in Vietnam

No case of Zika infection reported in Vietnam

No cases of Zika fever have been reported in Vietnam so far, but there is a high risk that the virus may enter the country due to the presence of Aedes mosquitos which transmit the virus, and trade, t
Ho Chi Minh City braces for Zika virus

Ho Chi Minh City braces for Zika virus

The Centre for International Health Quarantine of Ho Chi Minh City is carrying out various measures to prevent Zika virus from entering the country and to contain it in case the disease does occur.

See more

Delegates at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam to produce first homegrown next-generation vaccines from 2028

Under the agreement, Sanofi will transfer technology to VNVC to manufacture selected high-demand vaccines for children and adults at VNVC Vaccine and Bioproduct Plant. The first next-generation vaccines produced in Vietnam are expected to roll off production lines in 2028.

Eric and Alysha joyfully welcome their baby through Mini IVF after more than 10 years of waiting. (Photo: Hong Ngoc Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital)

Vietnam - a destination for journeys to parenthood

An increasing number of international families are choosing Vietnam for infertility treatment, embarking on journeys to parenthood that transcend geographical distance and differences in nationality.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung delivers remarks at the inauguration ceremony for Viet Duc University Hospital's second campus in Ninh Binh province. (Photo: VNA)

PM urges modern restructuring of healthcare network

The PM stressed that throughout the country’s development process, people have consistently been regarded as the centre, the driving force, the objective and the most important resource for national development. Sustainable and rapid development requires not only a healthy, knowledgeable and skilled population but also a modern, equitable, efficient, sustainable and accessible healthcare system.

Thu Duc General Hospital, with a capacity of 1,000 beds, was inaugurated and put into operation in April 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City moves to expand robotic surgery to gateway hospitals

According to the municipal Department of Health, developing gateway hospitals is a key pillar of the city's strategy to establish a regional specialised healthcare system. The network is designed to permanently relieve overcrowding at major downtown hospitals while strengthening strong inter-regional emergency care and treatment network.

Doctors conduct health screenings for children in Tru Van Tho commune, Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo :VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City moves closer to universal health check-ups

Achieving universal health check-ups in 2026 will lay the foundation for a new healthcare model in which every resident has an electronic health record, receives regular screenings, benefits from lifelong health management and gains access to early intervention through primary healthcare services.

Illustrative photo: Internet

Dengue cases rise, outbreaks become more unpredictable

Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of the ministry's Administration of Disease Prevention, said dengue fever is no longer following previous epidemiological trends. In 2025, infections remained elevated through November and December rather than declining at the end of the year as had traditionally been the case, indicating a shortening outbreak cycle.