Deputy PM asks for measures to brace for Zika virus
11:05, 2016/02/21
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has requested ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and localities to intensify the implementation of measures to proactively prevent Zika virus from entering Vietnam.
According to the Health Ministry, 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.
The virus has to date spread to 44 countries and territories across the world, mainly in Latin America. No cases of Zika virus have been recorded in Vietnam.
The Deputy PM asked the Health Ministry to strengthen inspection and supervision and coordinate closely with localities in these works.
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry is responsible for dispersing funds to quickly carry out preventive measures, as well as measures to address the disease once it occurs.
