Spraying chemical to kill off mosquitoes (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Localities are
intensifying measures to prevent and Zika virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, the dengue
infections dropped by 20 percent in the first months of 2017. However, at
present, the disease is increasing in some cities and provinces such as Da
Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Thuan, Thua Thien-Hue, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh
Duong, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Hau Giang and Dak Lak.
The country has recorded several Zika cases in
some cities and provinces in the south where the rainy season is creating
favourable conditions for mosquitoes to develop.
Given the fact, the health ministry has
requested the centrally-run provincial and municipal People’s Committees to
direct departments, organisations and people to actively eliminate mosquito
larva to prevent the spread of the diseases.
Localities must ensure medicine, chemicals and
necessary equipment to carry out prevention activities.
The provincial and municipal health departments
are ordered to increase inspection for the early detection of infections and
prevention of outbreaks.
The health sector will open more training
courses on monitoring patients, spraying chemicals, and dealing with outbreaks.
Medical facilities should ensure the prompt
treatment of patients to limit the number of fatalities.
The Departments of Information and Communication
is responsible for coordinating with the heath sector to raise public awareness
of preventive measures.
The Departments of Finance need to proactively
provide money for the prevention activities.
Vietnam recorded nearly 6,900 cases of dengue
fever in April, compared to the average figure of 4,000 in the first three
months of the year.
According to the Ministry of Health, since the
beginning of this year, 20,947 people have contracted the disease, with eight
losing their lives.
In 2016, Vietnam detected 227 virus
infection cases, of which 207 are residents of Ho Chi Minh City.
Since the beginning of 2017, HCM City has
reported 19 Zika virus cases.
Dengue fever
is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying the virus. Its symptoms include high
fever, headaches and joint aches, which can be confused with symptoms of other
.
Meanwhile, Zika virus is transmitted from human
to human by mosquitoes. Infections have been linked to the birth defect
microcephaly and miscarriages, posing a significant threat to pregnant women.
There is currently no vaccine or effective
treatment for the infection and companies and scientists are racing to develop
a vaccine.-VNA
Source: VietnamPlus
