The Mystery Behind Congo's Deadly Malaria Outbreak: Is Vietnam Safe?

Hundreds of people in Congo have died from a dangerous form of malaria, while Vietnam has also recorded many imported cases. The Ministry of Health is stepping up preventive measures to protect public health.

A malaria outbreak is raging in the Panzi area of Kwango province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, infecting hundreds of people, some of them seriously. Although the cause of the disease is not yet known, symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, runny nose and muscle pain have sent many children to the hospital, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As of mid-December, there had been 527 cases of malaria, including 32 deaths. Notably, all of the critically ill patients were severely malnourished, which increases the risk of the disease. Although WHO assesses the risk level in the region as low at the national and global levels, monitoring and prevention of the disease at borders remains extremely important.

In Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City, the increase in imported malaria cases from Africa has become a major concern. Since the beginning of the year, hospitals, especially the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, have treated dozens of malaria cases imported from abroad, mostly from African countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast. This raises big questions about the risk of disease spreading into the community in the context of a global epidemic that can spread through border gates.

Realizing the potential danger, the Ho Chi Minh City government has proactively implemented preventive measures. The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) continuously monitors the epidemic situation at international border gates such as Tan Son Nhat Airport and seaports to control the risk of disease entering from outside. Medical staff at the airport are always on duty 24/7, using a body temperature measurement system and checking passengers for unusual symptoms.

In addition, communication and public awareness measures have been strongly implemented. Medical facilities are ready to receive and treat suspected cases. In particular, training programs for medical staff have been organized to help them promptly and effectively handle imported malaria cases.

Health experts advise people not to travel to areas with malaria unless necessary. If you have been to areas with the disease, you should pay attention to symptoms such as fever, headache and fatigue. When these signs are detected, you should quickly go to medical facilities for timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid dangerous complications.

Doctors warn that there are many forms of malignant malaria, such as cerebral malaria, jaundice, renal failure, anemia, hemoglobinuria, etc. If treatment is delayed, the patient will develop complications such as renal failure, acidosis, hypotensive shock, and complications.

In addition, some residents in Ho Chi Minh City, especially those who have had malaria, said they are very worried about the increasing number of imported cases. Ms. Lan, a resident of District 10, shared: "I am very worried, because every time I hear about imported malaria cases, I think about the risk of spreading to the community. I have been more vigilant and always ensure hygiene around the house to avoid mosquitoes from breeding."

The malaria situation in Congo and other countries is a serious reminder for all countries, including Vietnam. Although WHO assesses the risk of global spread as low, the risk of the disease entering Vietnam through border gates is possible. Therefore, proactive malaria prevention is extremely important.

To protect your health and the health of the community, people need to proactively prevent mosquitoes, use mosquito nets, mosquito repellent and keep the living environment clean. In addition, if you have symptoms of fever, headache or fatigue, go to the doctor immediately for timely treatment and to prevent the spread of disease.

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