Strengthening Ebola prevention and control measures.

On October 4th, given the complex situation of the Ebola virus outbreak and the high risk of it entering Vietnam, the Ministry of Health sent a document to the Chairmen of the People's Committees of all provinces and cities nationwide regarding strengthening measures to prevent and control Ebola.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health requests the Chairpersons of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities to direct the Departments of Health to effectively implement close monitoring of incoming travelers to detect suspected cases of Ebola virus disease and take measures to prevent the disease from spreading. They are also required to monitor the health of individuals returning from Ebola-affected areas and residing in their respective provinces and cities. Simultaneously, they should organize health education and awareness campaigns for residents and tourists regarding the disease situation and effective prevention measures against Ebola virus disease. Furthermore, they should prepare treatment facilities, medical equipment, medicines, and chemicals for isolation, diagnosis, and treatment of Ebola virus disease patients. Finally, they must comply with regulations on disease information and reporting.

The Ministry of Health also requested that local Departments of Information and Communications and mass media agencies proactively provide timely information on the disease situation to prevent public panic and anxiety, and to ensure that people effectively implement disease prevention measures when necessary, as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

According to the World Health Organization, as of October 1st, 7,227 cases of Ebola virus disease have been recorded worldwide, including 3,372 deaths. Notably, 219 healthcare workers have died among the 383 healthcare workers infected. This dangerous disease has been reported in seven countries: Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Congo, Senegal, and the United States.

As of now, Vietnam has not recorded any cases of Ebola infection, but the risk of this dangerous disease entering the country is very high. Through monitoring at Vietnamese border gates from August 11th to the present, 42 Vietnamese citizens and 201 foreigners have entered Vietnam from West African countries severely affected by the Ebola virus outbreak.

According to SGGP online