According to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health, bird flu is spreading in a complex fashion. Since early 2007, bird flu has hit 17 countries. The World Health Organisation said flu type A (H5N1) has been detected in 6 countries in the world. Since November 2001, 307 people have caught flu type A (H5N1) and 186 of them have died in 12 countries, including Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the bird flu situation is particularly complicated. From early this month, the disease has been recorded in 21 communes and wards, 17 districts and towns of the nine provinces and cities of Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, Son La, Bac Giang, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, Can Tho and Dong Thap.

Of greater concern to health workers were the reports of the first human case infected with the H5N1 virus since early 2006. Therefore, since December 26 2003, of 94 cases affected with flu type A (H5N1) in 32 provinces and cities, 42 proved fatal.

In order to deal with the worsening situation, the Prime Minister called on the Health Ministry and the Standing Committee of the National Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Prevention and Control to take drastic measures to control and contain the disease.

People’s Committees, medical, agricultural, rural development, border quarantine and preventive medical units were asked to prepare and supply bird flu kits to localities in order to prevent transmission to humans.

The health sector has also been asked to remain vigilant when supervising patients who are suspected to be infected with H5N1 by placing them in quarantine and isolation wards.