Da Nang controls gateways to prevent A-H7N9 flu

April 23, 2013 | 09:34
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Da Nang, a key tourist destination in Vietnam’s central region, faces a high risk of an influenza A-H7N9 virus outbreak, and its authorities are taking necessary measures to prevent the penetration of the dangerous virus, which is now affecting the neighbouring country of China.


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Although no cases of the H7N9 virus have been recorded in the city or Vietnam, Da Nangy has already prepared enough medicines, equipment and facilities to deal with any outburst.

According to Da Nang health officials, the city’s hospitals, including Da Nang Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital , are ready to receive and treat patients with the virus. 

Besides, it is also taking measures to stop the virus at gateways and entrances into the city. 

For the past week, visitors arriving in the city by sea or air have been checked carefully at airports and seaports. 

Five joint teams have been set up by the Da Nang International Epidemic Control Centre in coordination with border gate staff. Their task is to measure the body temperature of all passengers entering the city to detect possible cases of the influenza. 

The Da Nang Health Department and the Da Nang International Epidemic Control Centre will soon install rooms to isolate anybody who is suspected of having the virus. 

Pham Truc Lam, Deputy Director of the Da Nang International Epidemic Control Centre said the coordination between the epidemic control centre and concerned agencies at the city’s border gates is very good, meaning the health service can check and control the disease right at the gates. 

Nine international airlines, including three from China , where the virus is spreading, operate direct flights to Da Nang . Every week, around 2,000 passengers arrive in the city from China . 

The peak of the city’s tourist season is near, with many activities that will attract hundreds of thousands of people. Therefore, Da Nang is paying due attention to the supervision work now in order to minimise the possibility of the virus entering the city.

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