Avian flu virus strains under scrutiny
(VOV) - The Department of Preventive Medicine on February 10 asked relevant agencies to step up their vigilance in monitoring and responding to any possible avian influenza outbreak.
Head of the department Tran Dac Phu said the recent widespread outbreak of the avian flu A/H5N1 in several localities is very tenuous, and an all-out effort is needed to contain it. However; fortunately, there have not been any recorded cases of A/H7N9, A/H10N8 or A/H6N1 in humans or animals.
It seems likely that the fast moving epidemic originated in China, primarily Guangdong province, will cross into Vietnam through illegal poultry and related products trading, as well as being transmitted by visitors travelling between the countries.
To minimize the risks, it is imperative that relevant agencies and localities keep a close watch on the emergence and mutation of new strains to prevent them entering Vietnam. Necessary measures include stepping up the smuggling fight and strengthening security in border regions.
Phu also directed relevant ministries, agencies and local authorities to coordinate their efforts to raise public awareness and warn people to avoid eating any poultry of unknown origin.
Ly Kim Soi, Director of Lang Son Province's Centre for International Health Quarantine, said there is a possibility that the deadly virus could enter Vietnam as there are more than 1,000 visitors crossing Vietnam-China border gates every day.
To prevent penetration of influenza A/H7N9, the centre has installed remote thermal scanners, deployed on-duty teams around the clock, established a temporary clinic staffed with a group of professional doctors and nurses to treat patients in the event of emergency.