No flu cases detected, border gates on full alert

Although no cases of influenza A (H1N1) have been detected in Vietnam so far, the Ministry of Health has asked relevant agencies and forces to be on full alert at border gates, including airports and seaports, to deal with first possible cases of infection in a timely manner.

At a meeting in Hanoi on May 1, Health Minister Nguyen Quoc Trieu asked border provinces to expand the quarantine service, closely monitor any suspected cases and prepare sufficient medicine, respirators and other equipment if an epidemic breaks out.

He requested that the directors of all provincial and municipal healthcare departments establish hotlines, enhance the dissemination of public information and deploy personnel to work around the clock at hospitals and preventive healthcare centres.

Vietnamese are advised to wash their hands with anti-bacteria solutions before taking meals and not to travel to influenza-hit areas. They should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

By May 2, influenza A (H1N1) has spread to 15 countries with 615 cases of infection confirmed. Mexico has confirmed 397 human cases, including 16 deaths, while the US has reported 141 cases, with one death. Elsewhere, the new strain of the deadly virus has attacked Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Prevention efforts intensified

In HCM City: a delegation of the municipal People’s Committee inspected influenza prevention efforts at Tan Son Nhat international airport – the country’s largest.

Since April 26 the airport has received nearly 30,000 foreigners, including 730 coming from influenza-hit countries. However, no cases of infection have been detected. Two thermal scanners installed at the airport have been operating at full capacity to ensure everyone is screened. All airport staff have been provided with face masks.

The airport has reserved an isolation room for 15 passengers, a hall that can accommodate 100 people and necessary equipment to deal with possible first cases.

On May 1, the municipal People’s Committee held an urgent meeting on prevention work with the participation of representatives of relevant agencies and 24 districts and precincts in the city.

Vice Mayor Nguyen Thanh Tai asked those responsible for prevention efforts to keep a close watch on the movement of travellers at the city’s airport and seaports and immediately quarantine any suspected cases if detected to ensure the new strain of virus cannot spread across the community. He asked all hospitals to prepare necessary medicine and equipment in case of emergencies.

The city has agreed to buy additional thermal scanners to be installed at the airport as soon as possible, said he.

Dr Pham Van Nghiem from the Municipal Department of Health said that his department has printed 500,000 new declaration forms to be delivered to air passengers entering the city. It has also received 1,500 face masks and 5,000 Tamiflu tablets from the Ministry of Health.

In Can Tho City: The largest city in the Mekong River Delta has established two task forces provided with chemical disinfectant and sprayers to deal with any possible cases of infection. Ninh Kieu, Cai Rang, O Mon and Phong Dien districts have deployed personnel and prepared equipment, including chemical disinfectant, means of transport and hospital beds, as a precaution against a worst-case scenario.

Thermal scanners have also been installed at Can Tho air terminal to detect passengers with a high fever.

---VOVNews---