heath -Vietnam confirms 39 new A/H1N1 cases

Vietnamese health authorities on August 6 confirmed 39 new cases of A/H1N1 influenza and warned the public not to buy Tamiflu anti-viral medication without a doctor’s prescription.

According to the Department of Preventive Health and Environment, of the new cases, 20 were reported in the southern provinces, 8 in the north, five in the central region and six in the Central Highlands.

To date, Vietnam has experienced 1,043 positive cases of the disease including one fatal case. More than half of the total, 608 patients, have recovered and been discharged from hospital.

The remaining 434 are under quarantine and being treated. All are in stable condition.

The Ministry of Health has issued a public warning calling on people to protect themselves and the community by strictly following the preventive measures provided through broadcasts and leaflets.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as of August 6, 199,034 people have been confirmed to have contracted the A/H1N1 virus in 168 countries and territories, resulting in 1,444 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Hanoi department of Education and Training said in an urgent message on August 6, all schools in the capital city should stop all their activities to ensure health and safety for students and pupils before the new school year is due to open on August 17.

VietNamNet/VOV