Vietnam has made remarkable efforts, both preventive and preparatory, to fight the possible spread of the influenza A (H1N1) virus, an official of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday.

Vietnam is among the countries that have faced threats from several infectious diseases, including AIDS, SARS, bird flu (H5N1) and influenza A (H1N1), he said.

Soo said WHO was committed to continuing its support for the medical system in Vietnam and sharing information on preventing and fighting infectious diseases.

Trieu expressed high appreciation of WHO’s support and cooperation over the past few years and reiterated Vietnam’s determination to improve healthcare services in the country as well as to fight the spread of influenza A (H1N1), formerly called swine flu.

Border vigil

The Ministry of Health has said it would work with the Ho Chi Minh City administration and the city’s Department of Health in enforcing preventive measures at border areas.

The HCMC Department of Health Tuesday reported a total of 59,278 visitors arriving at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport since April 26, of whom 4,442 were from the flu infected zones.

All ten visitors arriving with high temperatures during the past week have been found clear of the influenza A (H1N1) virus, including two visitors from Hong Kong who tested positive for the normal H3 flu virus.

Le Anh Tuan, director of the Hanoi Department of Health, Tuesday said three hospitals and several medical centers have been asked to prepare around 400 beds just in case the virus is detected in the capital city.

Da Nang City Department of Health Tuesday reported they have received 1,000 masks from the Ministry of Health. The central city is also taking steps to respond quickly to any outbreak of the flu.

Reported by Thanh Nien staff