Reduce traffic accidents and infectious diseases during Tet holiday.

According to the Ministry of Health , compared to the Lunar New Year of 2024, the number of emergency cases suspected of being due to traffic accidents decreased by 11%, and the number of deaths due to traffic accidents decreased by 29%.

Health news update February 3rd: Reduced traffic accidents and infectious diseases during Tet holiday.

According to the Ministry of Health, compared to the Lunar New Year of 2024, the number of emergency cases suspected of being due to traffic accidents decreased by 11%, and the number of deaths due to traffic accidents decreased by 29%.

Reduce traffic accidents and infectious diseases during Tet holiday.

Specifically, the total number of traffic accident cases examined and treated during the 9 days of Tet (from January 25th to February 2nd, 2025) was 24,122, of which 9,818 cases required inpatient treatment and 2,538 cases required transfer to other hospitals.

Although traffic accidents have decreased, the risks from firework-related accidents and domestic accidents remain a concern that needs continued attention.

The total number of deaths suspected to be due to traffic accidents is 160, of which 66 died before reaching the hospital, 39 died at the hospital, and 55 were discharged at their own risk of death.

In addition, the number of emergency cases suspected of being caused by firecracker and fireworks accidents decreased by 24%, and accidents caused by homemade weapons and explosives decreased by 50%. The Ministry of Health also reported that the total number of examinations and emergency treatments during the Lunar New Year of 2025 was 549,997 patients, with 194,985 hospitalized and 18,929 surgeries, including 3,301 emergency surgeries due to accidents.

Regarding the disease situation, during the Tet holiday, the whole country recorded 1,562 cases of measles-like rash, but no deaths. There were 403 cases of dengue fever and 155 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, also with no related deaths. Notably, there were no new cases of diphtheria during the Tet holiday.

The Ministry of Health has directed its units to closely monitor the disease situation, especially respiratory infectious diseases, severe viral pneumonia, and infectious diseases that commonly occur during the Tet holiday.

The Ministry also requested localities to implement expanded immunization programs and measles vaccination, while ensuring infection control in healthcare facilities to avoid cross-infection and outbreaks.

Regarding preparations, the Ministry of Health requires units to develop response plans for situations involving an increase in infectious disease patients, while ensuring logistical support and having a 24/7 emergency response team ready to handle any arising situations. The Ministry will also continue to monitor disease prevention and control efforts and vaccination programs during the festival season.

Firework accidents are expected to increase during the Lunar New Year of 2025.

Viet Duc Friendship Hospital has just announced that the number of emergency cases during the Lunar New Year holiday of 2025 decreased by 20-30% compared to previous years. In particular, the number of emergency cases due to traffic accidents accounted for only about 50% of the total number of emergency cases, a sharp decrease from the 80-90% in previous years.

According to Dr. Phan Bá Hải, Deputy Head of the Department of Upper Extremity Surgery and Sports Medicine, the pattern of emergency cases during this year's Tet holiday has changed significantly.

The number of emergency cases due to traffic accidents has decreased sharply, while the number of hospitalizations due to other accidents such as firecrackers, homemade fireworks, mini gas cylinder explosions, and household accidents has increased.

Despite early warnings from the hospital about the dangers of firecrackers and homemade fireworks, during the four days of Tet (from the 29th of the lunar month to the 3rd day of the new year), the hospital received 24 emergency cases due to firecracker explosions.

In particular, 13 cases were recorded on the 29th day of the Lunar New Year, 5 cases on the 1st day of the Lunar New Year, and on the night of February 1st, the hospital received two more emergency cases due to firecracker explosions, both of whom required surgery on the morning of February 2nd.

One notable point is that the number of emergency cases due to traffic accidents with alcohol testing was very low, indicating a positive shift in people's awareness of safe driving during the Tet holiday.

Although traffic accidents have decreased, the risks from firework-related accidents and domestic accidents remain a concern that requires continued public awareness campaigns and warnings.

While the number of traffic accident victims has decreased sharply, the number of emergency patients at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital due to homemade firecrackers has increased, with most victims under 20 years old. This morning, two patients injured by firecracker explosions were also admitted to the emergency room.

The victims' families said that buying and selling the materials to make firecrackers was very easy, so many teenagers bought them online and then made firecrackers following instructions on YouTube.

The consequences of the firecracker explosion were tragic. Most victims suffered crushed hands, lost fingers, and some lost both hands; they also sustained severe injuries to their faces, heads, and chests. Many victims were blinded due to ruptured eyeballs (approximately 20%). Viet Duc Friendship Hospital had to invite doctors from the National Eye Hospital to cooperate in treating them.

"In firework accidents, the worry isn't about small fragments getting embedded in the body, but the concern is about the shock wave causing internal injuries such as lung bleeding, broken ribs, etc.," according to Dr. Hai.

According to Dr. Hai, this year's Tet holiday also saw an increase in emergency cases due to digestive issues: acute pancreatitis, stomach pain, gastrointestinal bleeding... caused by alcohol consumption. Some elderly people also choked on chicken bones.

Years ago, during the Lunar New Year holiday, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital had to deploy a tight security force in the emergency area because of the high number of injuries resulting from fights fueled by alcohol. In particular, those accompanying patients were often intoxicated, making threats or violence against doctors quite common.

But this year, the hospital has not admitted any emergency patients due to fighting. This statistic shows a positive change in people's awareness.

Air quality is poor; people should limit outdoor activities.

On February 2nd (the 5th day of the Lunar New Year), the air pollution index in Hanoi remained at a poor level. According to experts, people with poor health should limit going outside and reduce outdoor physical activity.

According to data from Iqair.com, at 11:00 AM on February 2nd, the PM2.5 fine dust index in Hanoi exceeded the safe level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) by 4.4 times.

Specifically, the AQI index in the West Lake area is 90, falling within the yellow range, while the Minh Khai - Bac Tu Liem area has an index of 86, also in the yellow range. Some suburban areas such as Cu Khoi, Mipec (Long Bien), and Ciputra also recorded high AQI levels.

Near Hanoi, Thai Nguyen city recorded an AQI of 107, which is in the orange range, indicating a health hazard.

Given current levels of air pollution, experts recommend that vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, should reduce outdoor exercise and limit unnecessary outings. They should also keep windows closed to limit polluted air entering homes, and wear masks when going outside to protect their health.

The Department of Environmental Pollution Control (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) advises people to regularly monitor air quality indices and take health protection measures, such as minimizing outdoor activities, limiting window openings, using face masks, and using air purifiers.

The Department of Environmental Health Management (Ministry of Health) warns that when the air quality index reaches very poor levels (201-300), people, especially healthy individuals, should avoid prolonged outdoor activities or strenuous physical activity. Instead, indoor activities are encouraged, and areas with high pollution levels should be avoided.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/tin-moi-y-te-ngay-32-giam-tai-nan-giao-thong-and-benh-truyen-nhiem-trong-dip-tet-d244046.html