Spraying chemical at a bird flu outbreak. Healthcare sector and relevant agencies are requested to conduct measures to tackle avian viruses, with the likelihood of outbreaks in the country still high.(Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Department of Preventive Medicine requested the healthcaresector and relevant agencies to conduct measures to tackle avian viruses, with thelikelihood of outbreaks in the country still high.
According to a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), China continuedto record human infections with avian influenza A/H7N9 virus in recent weekswhile poultry in Laos and the Philippines have been infected with A/H5N1 andA/H5N6 viruses. Although no A/H7N9, A/H5N2 and A/H5N8 strains have beenreported in poultry or humans in Vietnam, the viruses could enter the countryfrom its neighbours.
Health departments nationwide need to promote communication, recommendingcitizens use poultry products with clear origin and meeting food safetystandards. Citizens must work with the veterinary sector and local authoritiesto detect and address bird flu outbreaks.
The departments should also enhance inspection of poultry imports via bordergates and crack down on the transportation and trade of poultry without quarantineand clear origins.
Once discovering ill or dead poultry, people must inform local authoritiesimmediately. They should go to medical facilities if they experience a fever,cough, chest pain or breathing problems.
As part of the efforts to step up bird flu vigilance, sufficient medicine,isolation areas and healthcare equipment must be ready in case of outbreak, thepreventive medicine department said.-VNA
VNA
