The information about the first case of the Ebola virus in Vietnam that has caused a growing panic in the community over the past few days is incorrect, said Deputy Minister of Health Tran Dac Phu at a press briefing in Hanoi on August 12.
However, he did not rule out the possibility that travellers, workers and students from epidemic-hit areas in Africa may bring the deadly virus to Vietnam.
Phu said the Ministry of Health has worked closely with relevant ministries and agencies to closely monitor visitors entering Vietnam at all border gates, and in the community to early detect and quarantine suspect cases for treatment.
At the press briefing, Masaya Kato, a WHO expert, said there is a low risk of the disease in Vietnam as the deadly virus is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected humans and animals.
Vietnam has to date reported no cases of infection and therefore the risk of the disease spreading across the community is rather low, said Kato.
By August 12 as many as 1,848 people infected with the Ebola virus have been confirmed, including 1,013 deaths. Most of the infections and deaths are reported in the four West African nations: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Phu said the Ministry of Health has worked closely with relevant ministries and agencies to closely monitor visitors entering Vietnam at all border gates, and in the community to early detect and quarantine suspect cases for treatment.
At the press briefing, Masaya Kato, a WHO expert, said there is a low risk of the disease in Vietnam as the deadly virus is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected humans and animals.
Vietnam has to date reported no cases of infection and therefore the risk of the disease spreading across the community is rather low, said Kato.
By August 12 as many as 1,848 people infected with the Ebola virus have been confirmed, including 1,013 deaths. Most of the infections and deaths are reported in the four West African nations: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
