Doctor examines the monkeypox patient in Bình Dương Province, who is now in stable condition. — VNA/VNS Photo Huyền Trang

"Lương Chấn Quang, Deputy Head of the Disease Control and Prevention Ward at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, spoke to the Vietnam News Agency about monkeypox prevention and control in Việt Nam.

What is the current monkeypox situation in the southern region?

Việt Nam has recently recorded two cases of monkeypox in Đồng Nai and Bình Dương provinces. Both cases were discovered and tested on the weekend.

As soon as a suspected monkeypox patient from Đồng Nai Province went to the Hồ Chí Minh City Dermatology Hospital for examination last Friday afternoon, the hospital conducted an investigation, consulted with experts, and collected samples to send to the Pasteur Institute in Hồ Chí Minh City. The results were obtained the following morning.

In the second case, the Bình Dương Centre for Disease Control conducted tests and sent samples to the Pasteur Institute last Saturday evening, with test results received the following morning.

Investigations involving the patients and individuals connected to them were initiated immediately upon receiving the information, without waiting for test results.

How has the rapid response to Monkeypox been implemented?

The Pasteur Institute in Hồ Chí Minh City, responsible for direction and monitoring, has been collating cases and disseminating information to provinces and cities. This helps in promptly identifying risks and establishing initial contact with the patients' close contacts for a swift response to the disease.

Currently, local authorities continue to expand investigations into individuals who had contact with the two Monkeypox patients to determine the source of infection and promptly identify any new cases, if they arise.

Preliminary information suggests that both patients contracted the illness at their place of residence and had no recent contact with foreigners or recent international travel.

In the context of globalisation, where travel and trade between countries are common, the risk of diseases entering any country is a real possibility. Therefore, to prevent the widespread transmission of diseases in the community, it is essential for everyone to raise awareness and follow the instructions provided by the healthcare sector. This applies not only to monkeypox but also to other infectious diseases.

What are your recommendations for people to proactively prevent monkeypox?

Monkeypox is primarily transmitted from person to person when the first symptoms appear. The disease is mainly spread through direct contact, including sexual intercourse, as well as through large respiratory droplets.

Patients and individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever and acute pustular rashes on their genitals, palms, legs, body, and face should immediately seek medical attention for timely monitoring and guidance. They should also self-quarantine and refrain from sexual intercourse.

It is advisable for people to avoid close contact with monkeypox patients and to refrain from direct contact with their wounds, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and personal items.

If someone has the disease or is suspected of having it in their residence or workplace, it is essential to notify the local health authorities for prompt guidance and treatment.

People, including patients, should regularly practice personal preventive measures, such as covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth, handkerchief, or disposable tissue, to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions. They should also wash their hands with soap and clean water or use an antiseptic solution immediately after coughing or sneezing.

Residents should ensure food safety, maintain a healthy lifestyle, increase physical activity to improve their health, and refrain from spitting in public places. — VNS