CATEGORIES

© Copyright 2004; Hanoitimes - Economic and Urban Newspaper;

The tribune of Hanoi People’s Committee

Publication Permit: 29/GP-CBC

Editor - in - Chief: Nguyen Thanh Loi

Managing Editor: Ta Thu Giang

Email : thugiang@hanoitimes.vn

Head Office: 21 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Branch Office: 221 Tran Phu Street, Ha Dong District, Hanoi

WORDS ON THE STREET 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day Vietnam - Asia 2023 Smart City Summit Hanoi celebrates 15 years of administrative boundary adjustment 12th Vietnam-France decentrialized cooperation conference 31st Sea Games - Vietnam 2021 Covid-19 Pandemic
Home / Health & Education
Actively preventing diseases caused by Zika virus
By Tuan Minh 16:05, 2016/02/01
On January 31, Department of Preventive Medicine has published details of telegraph 77/CD-BYT by the Ministry of Health and sent to Chairmen of central cities and provinces to directly prevent against Zika virus.
No cases of Zika fever have been reported in Vietnam so far, but there is a high risk that the virus may enter the country due to the presence of Aedes mosquitos which transmit the virus, and trade, tourism and labour exchanges between Vietnam and countries worldwide. 

The Preventive Medicine Department said that Zika virus, transmitted to humans through Aedes mosquitoes which are also the main carriers of dengue fever, is spreading rapidly, especially in Latin America. Since the first case of Zika infection was confirmed in Brazil in May 2015, the virus has circulated in 21 countries and territories in Latin America by January 23, 2016.


The department explained that anyone who had not previously been exposed to the virus may become infected. Because, Aedes mosquitos are present in most Latin American nations. Therefore, the department said, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Latin America has warned that Zika virus will continue to spread to almost countries and territories in the region. Against the backdrop, the Heath Ministry has regularly contacted the WHO in Vietnam to learn about the development of the virus and countermeasures while instructing epidemic prevention institutions to keep a close watch on the domestic situation. 

The ministry warned people travelling from Zika-striken countries that they should keep an eye on their health in the first 14 days after arrival to Vietnam. They should go to the nearest medical facility when they begin to experience fever symptoms. It is also recommended that people should use mosquito chemical repellent and securely cover all containers of water to prevent mosquitoes from entering them and laying eggs. 

According to the WHO, Zika can be transmitted through blood, but this is an infrequent mechanism. Standard precautions that are already in place for ensuring safe blood donations and transfusions should be followed. Evidence on mother-to-child transmission of Zika during pregnancy or childbirth is also limited. Research is currently underway to generate more evidence regarding perinatal transmission and to better understand how the virus affects babies. There is currently no evidence that Zika can be transmitted to babies through breast milk.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Zika virus, first detected in Uganda’s Zika forest in 1947, is transmitted to humans through the ‘Aedes mosquito’ which is also the main carrier of dengue fever. It causes mild fever, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes and conjunctivitis. 

There is currently no cure for Zika virus, and no vaccine for it. Therefore, the only effective prevention measure for the disease is to kill infected mosquitoes and eliminate hotbeds of mosquitoes and larvae, said the department. At present, the Ministry of Health is coordinating closely with the WHO to monitor the spread of the disease, as well as to enhance prevention measures in the country. 

The ministry has warned people travelling from Zika virus-struck countries that they should keep an eye on their health in the first 14 days after arrival to Vietnam. They should go to the nearest medical facility should they begin to experience fever. It is also recommended that people should use mosquito chemical repellent and securely cover all containers of water - to prevent mosquitoes from entering them and laying eggs.
Comments
Other news
23:29, 2024/12/13
Electronic health records in Hanoi hospitals: For convenience of patients
The electronic health record is designed to increase public confidence in digital services, deliver significant cost savings and streamline procedures for citizens while promoting convenience and transparency.
10:53, 2024/12/09
Hanoi to ensure medicine supply during Tet holiday
Plans are being drawn up to stockpile medicines in hospitals and a disease control center in Hanoi.
17:20, 2024/11/29
Policy framework needed for promotion of teacher role in Vietnam
The Law on Teachers has been submitted to the National Assembly for review and initial comments by the Vietnamese government.
22:01, 2024/11/26
Hanoi attracts talent for development
The Capital Law is expected to make Hanoi an attractive destination for talented people at home and abroad.
15:08, 2024/11/16
Hanoi warns against mukbang trend of eating raw and unfamiliar foods
A communication campaign has been in place for the dissemination of information on food safety regulations in Hanoi.
07:12, 2024/11/12
2024 International Youth Festival attracts 3,000 local and international youth
The 2024 International Youth Festival helped Hanoi’s youth connect and promote the city's culture and tourism to international friends.