As the dangerous flu A/H1N1 is developing in complexity in some parts of the world, Vietnam is mobilizing all forces to prevent the appearance of the disease in its territory.
No negligence
Inspecting the testing laboratory at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, which received certification by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 3, Minister of Health Nguyen Quoc Trieu said Vietnam was confident with testing methods for accurate results. This is a testing system with modern equipment supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
He stressed although Vietnam was experienced in the prevention of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, no negligence in the prevention of flu A/H1N1 is allowed.
The Minister asked the disease prevention steering committee to actively deal with any possible outbreaks.
According to WHO, so far 16 countries on 3 continents have reported the disease, with some 600 people testing positive for the virus and with an increased number of fatalities. WHO is now considering a warning alert for the global disease. Moreover, some patients have been found to contract the disease without traveling through infected areas like the United States or Mexico. Therefore, as an international destination, Vietnam considers the prevention of the disease an important work.
Earlier, doctor Nguyen Van Chau, head of the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department, said seven immigrants into Vietnam, at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, with high temperature had tested negative for the H1N1 virus.
Mobile teams and hotline for flu A/H1N1 prevention
Deputy head of the inspectorate of the Hanoi Health Department, Han Tu Do, said that the department had set up a hotline to receive information and answer questions on flu A/H1N1. In case of an outbreak, patients will be immediately brought to the National Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Dong Da, Bac Thang Long or Duc Giang Hospitals for isolation and treatment. Hanoi has prepared over 100 sickbeds, and five mobile ambulances, to receive possible patients around the clock.
In Ho Chi Minh City, according to doctor Nguyen Dac Tho, deputy head of the city Preventive Health Department, many quick-response teams have been set up to support any district at any time. Mr. Tho encourages people to have immediate medical checks-up if they contract coughing, fever or a sore throat.
In Can Tho City, two mobile teams with 22 people have also been set up with additional medicine, chemicals and sprayers.
Mr. Nguyen Trung Nghia, director of the Can Tho City Preventive Health Center, said each district is ready to deal with the disease.
The center has also announced some hotlines to receive information regarding the disease.