February 22, 2013

Vietnam calls for urgent measures against bird flu 

Vietnam's health authorities have called for its sub-divisions to quickly implement counter-measures against bird flu transmission to human.

Districts in border crossings were ordered to enhance medical check-up on tourists and rush holidaymakers, who suffer high fever and breathing problem, to hospitals for quarantine as well as disinfect the affected area.

Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, deputy head of the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, said illegal sales and transport of poultry and water-fowl still occurred through border gates.

However, most bird flu human infections have been linked to close contact with sick birds and there has been no record of transmission from human to human.

Medical experts advised people not to consume chicken with unclear origin and report to medical facilities immediately when they experience high fever, cough, sore throat and breathing problem.