Although no cases of the Zika virus have been recorded in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health is carrying out various measures to prevent the virus from entering the country and to contain it in case of an outbreak.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Pasteur Institute held a meeting on Monday to discuss a Zika virus monitoring plan for 20 provinces in the southern region. Experts on epidemic diseases will work with municipal departments of preventive medicine to analyse potential cases, then assess the possible spread of the virus in southern Vietnam. Zika only produces mild symptoms including rash, headaches, bone ache and fever. The incubation period is usually between 3 and 12 days. The situation is to be closely monitored not only on people travelling from Zika virus-struck countries but also by local health units. Experts are currently researching the effects of the virus, particularly on babies to explore effective mitigation techniques.
Tan Sơn Nhất Airport in Ho Chi Minh City has two body temperature meters which measure the temperature of all passengers travelling through the airport. Mosquito density has also been closely monitored. The Centre of International Health Quarantine plans to eliminate mosquitos in the whole area of the terminal on February 4th. Monitoring the disease is a long term process and will be combined with a programme to control petechial fever, as both diseases are spread by mosquitos. Medical authorities have reassured the public that both staff and facilities are primed to cope with any potential infections./.
