Experts inspect Zika prevention measures in localities

(VNF) - Eight inspection teams from the Ministry of Health (MoH) have checked Zika virus disease and dengue fever prevention and control measures in 16 provinces and cities, the General Department of Preventive Medicines said.

The inspected provinces and cities included Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang and Thua Thien-Hue, besides HCM City, Binh Duong, Binh Đinh, Binh Thuan, Dong Nai, An Giang, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Can Tho, Kon Tum and Dak Lak.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien (left) checked larvae elimination (Photo: kienthuc.net.vn)

The inspection showed that most localities had plans to prevent the outbreak of Zika and dengue fever. The local health sector has strictly followed the MoH’s guidance about disease prevention.

The inspection teams asked several provinces and cities that did not conduct any campaign to eradicate mosquito larvae, such as Hai Phong 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.

Suspected Zika cases should be tested, and medical facilities must prepare enough beds, medicines and other infrastructure to be ready to receive patients.

More training should be given to medical workers in case an epidemic breaks out.

Earlier, HCM City and the central Khanh Hoa Province has two Zika cases. Both localities announced the recovery of the patients on April 22, 2016. Since then, the country has not seen any more Zika cases.

( According to vncdc.gov.vn )