(binhthuan.gov.vn) According to the Cambodian Ministry of Health, on February 22, 2023, Cambodia recorded 02 cases of avian influenza (A/H5N1 flu) in Prey Veng province, including one death. These are the latest human cases of influenza A/H5N1 in Cambodia since 2014. In the context of increasingly open trade exchanges between Vietnam and other countries around the world, the risk of avian influenza entering the country and infecting people is very large, especially in provinces bordering with epidemic countries.

Facing this risk, the Ministry of Health has requested provinces and cities to strengthen surveillance, early detection of cases, and prevention of human infection.

Executing the direction of the Ministry of Health, the Department of Health has requested the Provincial Center for Disease Control to strengthen surveillance and early detection of cases, clusters of flu cases/outbreaks and acute respiratory infections of unknown causes in the community and medical facilities for epidemiological investigation, sampling and sending to Pasteur Institute Nha Trang for diagnostic testing, case management (if any) in a timely manner, and implementing appropriate measures to prevent and control the epidemic, so that it cannot spread to the community.

Increasing communication on measures to prevent transmission of avian influenza to humans, with special attention to high-risk areas and poultry farmers, traders and slaughterers about the risk of disease, preventive measures, strongly recommending people not to use food of unknown origin; implementing food safety in slaughtering and processing poultry and poultry products, do not eat blood pudding and do not use sick or dead poultry of unknown cause.

Ensuring sufficient medicines, supplies, chemicals and vehicles ready to promptly support the localities to implement measures for handling the outbreak.

Training health centers of districts, towns and cities on monitoring and prevention of influenza A (H5N1) epidemic in the community.

Being the focal point to coordinate with the Sub-Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health to strengthen inspection and supervision of the implementation of the prevention and control of avian diseases in localities in accordance with the provisions of Joint Circular No. 16/2013. /TTLT-BYT-BNN&PTNT dated May 27, 2013 of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Department of Health also requests the Health Centers of districts, towns and cities to advise the district-level People's Committees to direct divisions, units, mass organizations and socio-political organizations to implement measures to prevent and combat influenza A (H5N1) under the direction of the Provincial People's Committee, the Ministry of Health and the guidance of relevant departments and agencies.

Strengthening surveillance of severe cases of viral pneumonia in health facilities and in the community; immediately notifying the Provincial Center for Disease Control for timely implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures; preparing medicines, supplies, chemicals and means to implement measures to handle the outbreak.

Strengthening inter-sectoral coordination between health, veterinary and related agencies in monitoring and detecting avian influenza, especially at live poultry markets, and promptly sharing information on the epidemic situation of diseases in poultry and coordinating in the investigation and treatment of outbreaks.

Organizing communication to people on measures to prevent and control avian flu in the areas in charge.

For medical examination and treatment establishments, the Department of Health requires to implement strictly the Decision No. 30/2008/QD-BYT dated August 19, 2008 of the Ministry of Health on the issuance of guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Influenza A (H5N1) infection in humans.

Strengthening surveillance, early detection of cases of pneumonia with unusual developments, especially with a history of contact with sick or dead poultry; immediately notifying the Provincial Center for Disease Control for timely epidemiological investigation, sampling and monitoring.

The Provincial General Hospital is assigned to ensure sufficient medicines, human resources, equipment and medical supplies ready to receive isolation and treatment of suspected or confirmed cases of influenza A (H5N1) in accordance with regulations. Organizing re-training on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of influenza A (H5N1) infection for medical examination and treatment facilities./.

Hữu Tri