9-11-2023 (HANOI) Vietnam has reported a total of 56 monkeypox cases across seven provinces and cities, with one fatality as of October 31, according to the Ministry of Health’s latest update.
Local media sources revealed that approximately 63 percent of the infected individuals also tested positive for HIV. Notably, two cases were identified in 2022 and were traced back to individuals who had traveled from abroad.
The Ministry of Health has warned that Vietnam is likely to continue experiencing new monkeypox cases, not only in the southern city of Ho Chi Minh but also in other major urban areas.
In response to the outbreak, the ministry has instructed local healthcare agencies to enhance surveillance at healthcare facilities, borders, and communities in order to promptly detect infections and provide necessary treatment consultations.
Strict monitoring of the infected cases is crucial to prevent the disease from spreading within the community, the ministry emphasized.
Last month, Vietnam recorded its first monkeypox-related death. The deceased individual was a 29-year-old man from the southern province of Long An.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that typically occurs in remote parts of Central and West Africa. It is characterized by fever, rash, and the formation of pustules on the skin. The disease is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
As the situation develops, Vietnamese health authorities are focusing on containment efforts and ensuring the timely diagnosis and treatment of affected individuals.
