According to the initial analysis results on the molecular genetics of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), since the emergence of the H5N1 virus, there have been slight genetic changes, pathogenicity, and virulence genes of the H5N1 virus.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thuy Hoa, Head of the Epidemiology Department at NIHE, explained: “The H5N1 virus may have adapted better to the human body, leading to an increase in the number of infections (particularly asymptomatic cases), milder clinical manifestations among patients, and a lower mortality rate… However, human-to-human transmission needs to be carefully considered and studied.” This information was presented at a conference on the implementation of monitoring and prevention activities for influenza A organized by NIHE on November 21 in Hanoi.
According to the research from NIHE presented at this conference, cases of H5N1 infection have occurred in all age groups from 4 months to 81 years. However, the outbreak is concentrated in individuals under 40, with the highest incidence in the 10-19 age group. The northern region has a significantly lower mortality rate compared to the southern region (38.1% versus 83.3%).
Dr. Nguyen Tran Hien, Director of NIHE, stated that Vietnam has officially become a member of the global influenza monitoring network. With international support, since February 2005, Vietnam has been collecting and testing thousands of influenza samples from patients with common flu and those in outbreak areas.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tran Hien also advised that, since some poultry may not show visible signs of illness, monitoring poultry and disinfecting during transportation are not effective epidemiologically. The best way to prevent the spread of avian influenza is to avoid transporting poultry from one location to another.
On the same day, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross announced that it is developing a plan to provide financial support or new livestock such as pigs and cows for poor farmers in areas affected by avian influenza to help them transition their farming practices. The Red Cross also has plans to supply protective equipment to assist with disease prevention and personal and environmental hygiene, including medical masks, soap, and disinfectants. Training has been provided to hundreds of volunteers to promote disease prevention in key outbreak provinces. The organization has also decided to allocate 300 million VND to assist residents in the affected areas.
Le Ha
