Patient Vu Van Hoa, a 15-year-old male residing in Tan Quang village, Tien Hung commune, Tien Lang district, Hai Phong, has tested negative for H5N1 after a period of treatment.
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H5N1 patients can be cured if treated promptly. |
During a meeting of the National Steering Committee for SARS and Viral Pneumonia control on November 23, Professor Hoang Thuy Long, Deputy Head of the Committee, officially announced that patient Vu Van Hoa from Hai Phong tested negative for H5N1.
Initially, this case was suspected to be an infection of the H5N1 avian influenza. However, on November 22, the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology reported that retesting was needed for the patient to “determine the N antigen subtype,” meaning the patient was confirmed to have an H5 influenza infection, but it was unclear if it was the H5N1 strain.
Professor Hoang Thuy Long further explained: “During testing, it is essential not only to look for the H5N1 virus but also to check whether the patient has contracted other virus strains. Although H5N1 is dangerous and poses a high risk of illness, it selects for individuals with suitable immune responses, thus not everyone gets sick. This statement does not mean we should let our guard down against H5N1, but effective preventive measures can significantly reduce our concerns… Currently, Vu Van Hoa’s health is very good, and the latest test results are negative for H5N1.”
Following the detection of this case, the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology dispatched a task force to the patient’s home area to monitor the epidemiological situation and collect blood samples from family members and those who came into contact with the patient. All test results returned negative.
It is known that before falling ill, Vu Van Hoa had been in contact with sick and dead poultry. On November 14, the patient displayed mild fever at 38°C and cough, but did not show any signs of difficulty breathing. He was examined at the commune health station and later transferred to Viet Tiep Hospital on November 16, and one day later, he was moved to the Central Pediatric Hospital.
Thus, since the beginning of the year, the country has recorded 66 cases across 25 provinces/cities, with 22 fatalities. From the first recorded case of H5N1 influenza in Vietnam (December 26, 2003), there have been a total of 93 cases across 32 provinces/cities, with 42 deaths recorded.
Le Ha
