Ministry of Health: Stop taking samples for testing to diagnose pork tapeworm

In response to information about the pork tapeworm infection in Bac Ninh, which has led to a rush of people taking their children for testing, the Ministry of Health requested the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province to direct local food safety committees to strengthen strict control of input materials of collective kitchens, industrial meal suppliers, especially suppliers of materials for schools, and strictly handle violations.

The Ministry of Health also requested the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province to direct the Department of Health and medical facilities in the area to stop taking Elisa test samples to diagnose pork tapeworm.

Thousands of parents in Bac Ninh take their children to get tested for pork tapeworm.

Because according to the Ministry of Health, even if the Elisa test is positive for pork tapeworm, it cannot confirm that you currently have pork tapeworm disease. This is a supportive test when there are clinical signs and some other confirmed test results.

In cases where the Elisa test result is positive, there is no need to retest and no need to treat, except in cases where there are clinical symptoms and a confirmed diagnosis of the disease, treatment will be given according to the prescribed regimen of the local health department. In cases where the Elisa test result is negative, there is no need to retest.

The Ministry of Health also requested the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province to strengthen communication work so that people understand the nature of the disease, the significance of diagnostic measures, determine whether people are sick or not and take disease prevention measures such as eating cooked food, drinking boiled water, washing hands before eating, after going to the toilet; and periodically deworming according to instructions.