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Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province reports over 200 influenza A infections in children

Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province reports over 200 influenza A infections in children

Saturday, March 18, 2023, 14:52 GMT+7
Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province reports over 200 influenza A infections in children
Rapid test kits show that three residents in Bao Yen District, Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam are positive for influenza A. Photo: Lao Cai Province Department of Health

The health authority of Lao Cai Province in northern Vietnam said on Friday afternoon that it had detected and put under control an influenza A outbreak that has left more than 200 local children infected.

A report of the Bao Yen District Medical Center showed that the first cases were reported on March 7 after five students developed such symptoms as cough, fever, fatigue and had to be off from school. The flu then spread to the community.

On March 9, a healthcare station in Pho Rang Town, Bao Yen District reported 133 local students exhibiting the same symptoms to the Bao Yen District Medical Center.

The number of flu-hit students in the area has neared 240 after one week.

The Bao Yen District Medical Center made a swift response, including conducting contact tracing, screening, providing guidance on home-based quarantine and medical treatment, disinfecting schools linked to the influenza A cases, and raising public awareness about flu prevention and control.

A Bao Yen District Medical Center representative said there was a gradual downtrend in influenza A infections after the disease reached its peak in the locality.

Around 100 children remain under home quarantine, while the recoveries have returned to school, the healthcare representative said.

Influenza A is a type of virus that causes a contagious respiratory disease usually circulating in the winter and spring, according to Dang Thi Thuy, head of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases’ Pediatrics Department.

When children develop symptoms of a high fever and respiratory tract inflammation, parents need to take them to the nearest healthcare facility for a check-up and diagnosis.

Thuy added that the best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine annually.

Besides, parents must ensure their kids have a nutritious diet to improve their physical health and keep their immune system stronger.

Children should be taught on how to keep personal hygiene such as regularly washing hands with soap or hand sanitizer, especially before meals, after returning home or using toilets and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.

The living and playing space for children also needs cleaning regularly, particularly toys and stuff that kids are usually in contact with.

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Minh Duy - Duong Lieu / Tuoi Tre

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