A rash on the hands caused by the monkeypox virus — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY – HCM City will tighten screening at borders and educate people on the spread of monkeypox.

The monkeypox virus can spread from animals to humans and humans to humans, and in some cases cause skin infection, pneumonia, eye problems, and even death.

The Department of Health said though there are no recorded cases of the disease the city should not lower its guard.

The department will educate the public about the disease and its early symptoms so that they can immediately seek medical attention.

The main symptoms are rash due to unknown causes and include one or more of the following symptoms: 38-degree or higher fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, back pain, and asthenia.

Other noticeable epidemiological factors that patients and medical workers should look out for are a history of physical contact with patients skin, skin damage, sexual activities, and contaminated objects such as clothes, bed and other personal belongings in the previous 21 days.

Tourists coming from countries with monkeypox outbreaks in the previous 21 days could also manifest the disease.

The department has sought enhanced scanning of body temperature at borders. People who are suspected of having the disease will be instructed to self-quarantine and monitor their health at home.

If severe symptoms appear, people who suspect infection should visit the HCM City Hospital of Tropical Diseases.

If tested prove positive for the virus, patients will be quarantined and treated at the hospital.

The HCM City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention will also investigate people who have been in close contact with patients and monitor them.

As of July 23 WHO reported a total of 16,000 cases, including five deaths, in 75 countries.

Several countries bordering Việt Nam, such as China, Thailand and Singapore, have all recorded cases.

Việt Nam is classified as group 1 by WHO or countries without recorded cases of the virus. – VNS.