The Ministry of Health (MoH) sent an urgent message to the health departments of nine cities and provinces including Dong Thap, Can Tho, Ninh Binh, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Quang Nam, Hung Yen, Thai Binh, asking them to take drastic measures to prevent and combat bird flu type A (H5N1).

The document stated that provincial health departments should exert urgent measures for early detection of bird flu outbreaks and suspected cases of infection among humans. Localities should also store enough antibiotics to prevent the spread of the epidemic. It said, the health sector at all levels should strengthen their supervision of suspected bird flu cases among humans.

Besides, localities should take effective measures to control the transport, purchase and import of poultry. The MoH also asked localities to continue conducting regular campaigns on hygiene and the environment to prevent the spread of bird flu (type A H5N1). The Ministry will continue to purchase veterinary equipment and antibiotics.

The same day, Dr. Nguyen Huy Nga, Head of the Preventive Health Agency of the Health Ministry said human cases of H5N1 infections are being treated at the Bach Mai hospital and the Institute of Clinical Research for Tropical Diseases. The test results have shown that the cases were negative for H5N1.

Over the past 17 months, Vietnam has recorded only two human cases tested positive for the H5N1 virus.