4 unusual aspects of the Ebola outbreak

The Ministry of Health assesses that Vietnam has not recorded any cases of Ebola virus disease originating from affected areas, but does not rule out the risk of disease spread through passengers entering Vietnam from affected regions.

On May 22nd, the Ministry of Health held a series of meetings and training sessions on monitoring and preventing diseases caused by the Ebola virus.

Previously, on May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

Four anomalies in the Ebola outbreak: Ministry of Health warns of risk of disease spread from passengers returning from affected areas.

PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF DISEASE PREVENTION

The WHO has pointed out four anomalies that make this outbreak a high-risk one:

Firstly , there have been unusual clusters of deaths in the community with symptoms of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain; four healthcare workers have been reported to have died from suspected infection, raising concerns about healthcare-associated transmission, gaps in infection control and prevention measures, and the potential for outbreaks in healthcare facilities.

Secondly, there is uncertainty about the actual number of infected people, the extent of the spread, and the epidemiological links.

Thirdly, the high rate of positive samples (8 out of 13 positive cases collected from various areas), the increase in suspected cases, and clusters of deaths across Ituri province suggest the potential for a larger number of reported cases and a risk of local and regional spread.

Fourth, transmission to countries sharing a border has been observed.

In Vietnam, Mr. Hoang Minh Duc, Director of the Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, stated that as of May 21st, no cases of Ebola had been recorded in the country. The risk of Ebola entering Vietnam from Congo and Uganda is low.

However, the risk of disease transmission through passengers returning from Congo and Uganda, countries in the region experiencing outbreaks, cannot be ruled out.

The Ministry of Health is continuing to coordinate closely with the WHO and countries through the National Focal Point for the implementation of the International Health Regulations to update the disease situation and prevention and control measures worldwide , and to promptly direct localities to implement prevention and control measures.

At the same time, the Government and the Prime Minister are advising on the implementation of appropriate and effective measures to prevent and control the epidemic.

The ministry also directed localities to strengthen surveillance to detect imported cases, especially at border gates and medical facilities.

In particular, attention should be paid to gathering the medical history of patients returning from areas experiencing outbreaks to ensure early detection, isolation, and timely treatment; and rapid response teams should be prepared to respond promptly to outbreaks when cases enter the country.

Develop response scenarios for various disease outbreak situations and risks.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-diem-bat-thuong-cua-dich-ebola-185260522151121352.htm