More than 200 samples tested negative for Zika virus

On March 19, according to the latest information from the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), the synthesis of the latest Zika virus test results from institutes across the country concluded that Vietnam has not recorded any cases of Zika virus infection.

Zika virus causes microcephaly in newborns.

In order to strengthen surveillance, detection and prevention of the risk of Zika virus penetration and spread in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health has directed the Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the Pasteur Institute to collect more than 200 samples in many key provinces and cities to conduct tests to detect Zika virus infections.

In the Northern region, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology received more than 100 samples taken from central hospitals in Hanoi, Ha Tinh, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa and 16 samples transferred by the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang.

In addition, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology also conducted tests on 3 cases of patients suspected of being infected with Zika from the Central Obstetrics Hospital (2 cases) and Bach Mai Hospital (1 case).

In the Central region, Nha Trang Pasteur Institute has collected samples and tested a total of 38 samples.

In the Southern region, since February 15, the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City has also deployed surveillance and collected 83 samples at 8 locations including hospitals: An Giang, Tien Giang, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Vinh Long.

The results showed that all cases tested negative for Zika virus.

Thus, as of March 18, Vietnam has not recorded any cases of Zika virus infection.

In the coming time, the Department of Preventive Medicine will continue to strengthen monitoring, communication and coordination with relevant units to maximally prevent the risk of disease entering and spreading in Vietnam.

Previously, in order to strengthen the prevention of diseases caused by Zika virus entering and spreading in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health held a launching ceremony for the campaign "People kill mosquitoes and larvae themselves to prevent diseases caused by Zika virus and dengue fever."

The Minister of Health also issued a Directive on organizing a campaign to kill mosquitoes and larvae and implementing disease prevention work caused by Zika virus and dengue fever, creating positive changes in the awareness and actions of each citizen./.

According to Vietnamplus