Vinh Long: A/H1N1 influenza kills one woman

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

Vinh Long (VNA) – The has left a female in
the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long after a male patient died at a medical
centre in Tran Van Thoi district of Ca Mau province earlier this month.

Director of Vinh Long General Hospital Van Cong Minh said that a 56-year-old
woman, residing in My Loc commune, Tam Binh district, was admitted to the Tam
Binh medical centre on July 2 with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of
breath.

She was then transferred to Vinh Long General Hospital on July 5 and died the
same day.

Test results by the Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute showed that she was positive
for AH1N1 influenza virus.

The provincial Department of Health has supported Vinh Long General Hospital
and Tam Binh medical centre in preventing the disease. Relevant authorities
have enhanced communication work to raise public awareness of the influenza,
while preparing sufficient facilities and medicine for treatment.

The A/H1N1 virus causes a pernicious respiratory infection. Its symptoms are
similar to seasonal flu, that of a fever, cold, cough, and headache. The virus
then spreads to the respiratory system, causing other complicated symptoms such
as wheezing and phlegm. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, children,
pregnant women, diabetics, cancer patients, HIV-positive people, and those with
pre-existing respiratory issues.

Therefore, the Ministry of Health has advised the public to upgrade levels of
personal hygiene, emphasising the basics of covering their mouths and noses
when coughing or sneezing, washing one’s hands with soap, and maintaining clean
rooms and frequented spaces.

If members of the public have symptoms such as , cold, or cough, they are
asked to wear face masks, go to their local health clinics, and avoid using
self-prescribed drugs without a doctor’s instructions.

Vietnam has previously experienced an H1N1 pandemic in 2009, with over 9,000
cases of people contracting the disease and nearly twenty deaths within four
months, according to the ministry. -VNA