Vietnam Experts Inspect Zika Prevention Measures in Localities

Eight inspection teams from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH) have checked Zika virus disease and dengue fever prevention and control measures in 16 provinces and cities, state media reported. The inspection showed that most localities were well-prepared and had plans to prevent the outbreak of Zika and dengue fever. People’s committees at different levels have instructed concerned organizations to participate in the work. In addition, the local health sector has strictly followed the MoH’s professional guidance about disease prevention. The inspection teams asked several provinces and cities that did not conduct any campaign to eradicate mosquito larvae, such as Haiphong and Thanh Hoa, to immediately do so. The inspectors also provided more guidance to provinces and cities in preventing and controlling diseases, and asked them to improve awareness via media to give people more information about the diseases. Zika is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. People affected by Zika can have symptoms such as mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis and muscle and joint pain, besides general malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for two to seven days. There is scientific consensus that Zika can cause microcephaly and the Guillain-Barré syndrome. Links to other neurological complications are also being investigated, according to the World Health Organization. (Tien Phong – Pioneer July 27 p2)