Vietnam continues tightening Zika observation at ports of entry
The health sector will continue strengthen the supervision at ports of entry for passengers from the countries and territories where the Zika virus is spreading, announced the General Department of Preventive Medicine (GDPM) under the Ministry of Health on February 23.
According to the GDPM, as many as 44 countries and territories have so far announced Zika virus cases, including three deaths in Venezuela and two in Brazil. It also warned of a high risk of virus entering Vietnam as cases have been reported in neibouring Thailand and China.
The clinical symptoms of Zika are usually mild and often similar to dengue, which is transmitted by the same mosquito, so it is difficult to confirm the infection, according to Truong Dinh Bac, deputy head of the General Department.
According to Bac, Zika virus can only be detected by a blood test, and even then it is very difficult to detect in the first phase of the disease. The Zika virus spreads through mosquito bites and currently, there is no cure for it.
The ministry has warned people to keep updated on information about the Zika virus through official websites and advised citizens, especially pregnant women, to avoid travel in areas where Zika is active.
Residents are also urged to take the necessary precautions and eliminate mosquito larva in their homes and workplaces.