Amid the increasingly complex developments of infectious diseases worldwide, including the risk of Nipah virus disease entering the country, and in order to proactively implement prevention and control measures to protect public health, the Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee requested the Department of Health; provincial departments, agencies, sectors, mass organizations; and People’s Committees of communes, wards, and special zones to step up guidance, direction, and implementation of Nipah virus disease prevention and control measures across the province in accordance with recommendations and guidance from the Ministry of Health.

The Department of Health is tasked with directing healthcare facilities in the province to strengthen surveillance and early detection of suspected cases; strictly implement infection prevention and control measures to prevent cross-infection in medical examination and treatment facilities; and be ready with plans for admission, treatment, and isolation of patients should a situation arise. 

Communication and public information efforts are to be intensified to inform residents about preventive measures against Nipah virus disease; residents are advised not to have contact with or use food sources that may pose risks, and to proactively declare health information when experiencing suspected symptoms. The disease situation should be monitored regularly, and timely advice should be provided to the Provincial People’s Committee on appropriate response measures.

Provincial departments, agencies, sectors, mass organizations, and People’s Committees of communes, wards, and special zones are required to closely coordinate with the Department of Health in Nipah virus disease prevention and control; proactively implement disease prevention and control measures within their scope of management; and strengthen communications to raise awareness among officials and the public./.

Reported by PHAN MINH

Translated by Kim Thuan