(VOVworld) – The Republic of Korea reported its 9th case of MERS infection on Tuesday, bringing the total to 108. According to the WHO, the number of MERS infections throughout the world has increased to 1,240, including 446 deaths.
Vietnam has recorded no MERS cases so far but preventative measures have already been put in place in several localities, particularly at airports and border gates. Doctor Pham Truc Lam, Director of the Da Nang International Medical Quarantine Center, said: “All passengers will be checked with remote thermal imagers. Through health declaration forms, we will know who has traveled through infected areas. People with suspected symptoms will be isolated.”
The Ministry of Health has advised people not to travel to Middle East countries for the moment, conducted strict quarantine of passengers from the Middle East and the Republic of Korea, and issued emergency prevention plans in all localities. Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said: “Vietnam is ready to cope with MERS in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The medical sector has prepared medications and equipment in case of an outbreak. Training courses have been held for health workers at all levels. 2 laboratories in Hanoi and HCM city, which have been recognized by the WHO, can conduct tests and diagnoses of the Corona virus on people of suspected syndromes. We are determined not to allow MERS to enter Vietnam and suspected cases will be under strict monitoring.”
There is no vaccine or medical treatment for MERS, which can cause a mortality rate of 40%.