Ministry of Health requests to prevent monkeypox outbreak, limit infection and death

SGGPO 09/26/2023 16:50

On September 26, the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health sent an official dispatch to the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Health of Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Health of Dong Nai and the Department of Health of Binh Duong about strengthening prevention of monkeypox epidemic after recording 2 cases of monkeypox in Binh Duong and Dong Nai.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, through the infectious disease surveillance system, on September 23, Ho Chi Minh City recorded a case of a male (25 years old, in Xuan Truong commune, Xuan Loc, Dong Nai, temporarily residing in Go Vap, Ho Chi Minh City) positive for monkeypox.

In the past week, the male patient had contact with his girlfriend in Tan Uyen City, Binh Duong Province, and she currently has symptoms of monkeypox. People who had close contact with the monkeypox patient in Ho Chi Minh City are in stable health and have not shown any unusual symptoms.

Bộ Y tế yêu cầu tăng cường giám sát dịch bệnh đậu mùa khỉ không để lan rộng ảnh 1

The Ministry of Health requires increased surveillance of monkeypox to prevent it from spreading.

In order to promptly monitor and detect early cases of the disease, prevent monkeypox outbreaks, and minimize the number of cases and deaths, the Ministry of Health requests the Department of Health of the above localities to strengthen monitoring and prevention of monkeypox in the area according to the Ministry of Health's instructions; note that it is necessary to proactively, coordinate, and urgently investigate all cases of contact with the above monkeypox positive cases to determine the source of infection in order to promptly manage and handle the outbreak, and prevent the disease from spreading widely in the community.

At the same time, focus on treating positive cases, avoiding deaths, preventing cross-infection and infection of medical staff during care and treatment; strengthen communication in many forms to people about the epidemic situation and preventive measures to avoid unnecessary panic and worry.

Along with that, organize training for medical staff at all levels on monitoring, treatment and prevention of monkeypox infection. For the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, increase support and timely guidance on expertise and techniques for localities in monitoring, sampling, diagnosing and zoning off monkeypox outbreaks.

To proactively prevent monkeypox in our country, the Ministry of Health has also issued recommendations for people to proactively take preventive measures, such as: covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth or handkerchief or disposable tissue or sleeve to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions; washing your hands with soap and clean water or antiseptic solution immediately after coughing or sneezing. Do not spit indiscriminately in public places. Regularly wash your hands with soap and clean water or antiseptic solution.

People with symptoms of acute rash of unknown cause accompanied by one or more suspicious symptoms should proactively contact a medical facility for timely monitoring and consultation. At the same time, they should proactively self-isolate and avoid sexual intercourse.

Avoid close contact with people with monkeypox, avoid direct contact with wounds, body fluids, droplets and objects and utensils contaminated with the pathogen. In case there is someone in your home or workplace who is infected or suspected of being infected, you need to notify the health authority for timely advice and treatment, do not self-treat.

People traveling to countries where monkeypox is endemic (Central and West Africa) should avoid contact with mammals (dead or alive) such as rodents, marsupials, and primates that may contain monkeypox virus. When returning to Vietnam, they should proactively report to local health authorities for advice.

Source