Twelve more people in Ho Chi Minh City have been infected with the Zika virus.

On the afternoon of October 31st, Ho Chi Minh City recorded 12 more cases of Zika virus infection, bringing the total number of patients in the city to 17 and the total number of Zika patients in Vietnam to 23.

The cases announced on the afternoon of October 31st were detected through the disease control system implemented by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. Currently, VietnamTwenty-three cases of Zika virus infection have been recorded in Dak Lak, including a baby with microcephaly and the baby's mother. Ho Chi Minh City has the highest number with 17 cases.Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Binh Duong, and Long An each have one confirmed case.

On October 31st, the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, worked with the Department of Health and the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City to urgently implement solutions to limit the spread of the Zika virus. Experts requested intensified efforts.advise,Protecting women who are preparing to become pregnant. Pregnant women should have Zika screening ultrasounds during the first three months of pregnancy.

Preventive health workers spray insecticide to kill mosquitoes in Ho Chi Minh City to combat Zika and dengue fever. Photo: Hoai Nhon.

The Ministry of Health advises people not to panic but also not to be complacent, to strengthen efforts to eliminate mosquito larvae in their homes and workplaces, and to prevent mosquito bites. Safe sex practices, including the use of condoms, are recommended to prevent the transmission of the Zika virus through sexual contact. Individuals returning from affected areas should proactively monitor their health, avoid mosquito bites for 14 days after return, practice safe sex for at least 28 days, and contact a healthcare facility for detailed advice.

Individuals exhibiting suspected symptoms can visit 30 hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City to have their blood tested for the Zika virus free of charge. Suspicious signs include a rash and at least two of four symptoms: fever below 38 degrees Celsius, conjunctivitis or conjunctival hyperemia, joint pain or swelling, and muscle pain. Blood samples from the hospitals are sent to the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City for testing for Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses. This free screening program will run until December 31st.

According to VNE