Ebola situation becomes complicated; Ministry of Health issues new warning.

The Ministry of Health warns that the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda is becoming more complex, but the risk of it entering Vietnam is currently low.

Medical personnel move an Ebola-infected patient on a stretcher in Rwampara, Democratic Republic of Congo - Photo: AFP

On May 29th, the Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, issued an updated notice on the Ebola virus outbreak situation amidst a rapid increase in reported cases in several countries.

The pandemic is developing in a complex manner.

Specifically, according to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda continues to be complex, with an increase in the number of cases, an expansion of geographical areas, and a risk of cross-border transmission.

On May 17th, the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain was declared by the WHO as a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC).

As of May 27th, Congo had recorded 1,077 suspected cases, including 238 suspected deaths; 121 confirmed cases with 17 deaths. Uganda had recorded 7 confirmed cases, including one death. In total, the two countries had 128 confirmed cases and 18 deaths.

The WHO assesses the risk of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo as very high and the risk at the regional level (including Uganda) as high due to continued community transmission.

The risk of undetected transmission chains, an increase in cases linked to cross-border travel and expanding contact networks, and the global risk remain low. Meanwhile, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain.

Don't be complacent, but don't panic either.

In response to the evolving epidemic situation, the Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, in coordination with the WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US.CDC), relevant ministries and agencies, and experts, organized an assessment of the risk of the disease entering Vietnam.

According to current assessments, Vietnam has not recorded any cases of the disease, and the risk of the disease entering Vietnam is low.

However, the possibility of recording imported cases cannot be ruled out, especially in the context of continued international travel and interaction.

Over the past period, the Ministry of Health has proactively implemented early and remote disease prevention and control activities; organized updates on professional and technical guidelines, and provided training and professional guidance to provinces and cities on surveillance, testing, early detection, investigation, contact tracing, and management of suspected cases.

At the same time, localities have strengthened monitoring of incoming travelers, especially those returning from areas experiencing outbreaks; reviewed response plans, and prepared personnel, supplies, chemicals, equipment, isolation areas, and treatment facilities when necessary, in order to detect and handle outbreaks early and promptly, preventing the spread of disease in medical facilities and in the community.

To proactively implement measures to prevent and control the Ebola epidemic, the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Health, requests the public to:

- Do not panic; proactively update information from official sources. If you have any suspicious symptoms after returning from an area experiencing an outbreak or after contact with a suspected case, immediately contact the nearest medical facility for advice, examination, and timely treatment.

- Limit unnecessary travel to areas affected by the epidemic.

- For citizens who must travel to these areas, precautionary measures should be taken, such as avoiding contact with people who are sick or have symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, will continue to closely coordinate with WHO, US CDC, and other international organizations to update the situation, regularly assess risks, and implement disease prevention and control measures appropriate to the actual developments.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ebola-dien-bien-phuc-tap-bo-y-te-phat-canh-bao-moi-20260529165648943.htm