Proactive response to the risk of Ebola outbreak.

Given the complex developments of the Ebola epidemic in several African countries and the latest warning from the World Health Organization (WHO), on the afternoon of May 21, the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City held an emergency meeting on the monitoring and prevention of the Ebola epidemic.

A view of the emergency meeting at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the meeting, the Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology/Pasteur Institutes updated the global Ebola situation, noting that as of May 20th, approximately 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths related to Ebola had been recorded. Of these, 51 cases were confirmed in the Ituri and Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Uganda, health authorities have confirmed two cases, including one death in the capital Kampala. Both patients had a history of travel from Congo. Notably, at least four healthcare workers have died with symptoms suspected to be Ebola.

According to the WHO's assessment, the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain is now classified as a public health emergency of international concern.

Professor, Doctor Phan Trong Lan, Director of the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, delivered a speech.

Following this warning, Vietnam has intensified surveillance at international border crossings and has so far recorded no suspected cases of Ebola among those entering the country.

Leaders of the Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology/Pasteur Institutes believe that although the risk to Vietnam is currently low, the possibility of disease outbreaks remains present due to increasing international travel and interaction.

Therefore, relevant units need to proactively implement a comprehensive set of measures for monitoring, early detection, isolation, contact tracing, testing, and thorough treatment right from the first suspected case.

The meeting focused on discussing several key issues, including strengthening surveillance at border crossings, medical facilities, and the community; reviewing testing and treatment capacity; ensuring adequate supplies, chemicals, and personal protective equipment; updating procedures for handling suspected cases; and organizing professional training for preventive health personnel at all levels.

Local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention participated in the meeting online.

Representatives from the Centers for Disease Control also provided a brief update on the preparedness, plans for enhanced surveillance and response, and the difficulties and proposals encountered in the prevention and control of Ebola outbreaks in their localities.

According to Decision No. 2914/QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health, the task of testing for Ebola is currently assigned to the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology.

Associate Professor, Doctor, Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a speech.

These two units are ready to deploy advanced tests, including gene sequencing, to identify cases early if they appear in Vietnam. At the same time, scientists are continuing to update rapid testing methods suitable for the current virus strain to shorten the time to detect the disease.

The leaders of the Institutes also emphasized that identifying suspected cases must be based on a combination of clinical symptoms and epidemiological factors, especially a history of travel to or from epidemic areas.

In addition, it is necessary to strengthen warning communication at border gates, provide guidance on health declarations, and update official information so that people can proactively cooperate in preventing and controlling the epidemic.

Khang Anh

Source: https://nhandan.vn/chu-dong-ung-pho-nguy-co-dich-ebola-xam-nhap-post963901.html