An image of monkeypox virus under an electron microscope.  AFP/VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI - Việt Nam announced the first case of monkeypox on Monday – a 35-year-old woman returning from Dubai on September 22 but until now, no further infections have been detected.

Prof. Dr. Phan Trọng Lân, Director of the Department of Preventive Health under the Ministry of Health said on Monday that the latest assessment on transmission risks showed low possibility of infections in community as this was the first case.

On September 23, the patient went to Từ Dũ Hospital suspected of having an infectious disease. She was transferred to HCM City Dermatology Hospital where doctors examined her and suspected monkeypox.

Immediately, she was isolated, and samples were taken for diagnostic testing.

On September 25, 2022, the patient tested positive for monkeypox and was transferred to the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases for further isolation, treatment and had genetic sequencing taken at the Clinical Research by OXFORD University in cooperation with the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Regarding the source of infection, Lân said that the patient was abroad for more than 60 days, had symptoms while overseas, and had already contracted it before returning to Việt Nam.

For her close contacts including family members and health workers, they are all being monitored in isolation areas. So far they have not shown any signs of monkeypox for more than ten days. They will be isolated for 21 days in total.

“Monkeypox has been recorded in more than 100 countries," Lân said. “With high incidences and unlimited travel, the risk of the disease entering Việt Nam is visible.

“We have prepared for it very early."

Medical examination and treatment establishments, especially places of examination and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, must raise their vigilance. If citizens detect suspected cases, they should immediately go to the medical examination and treatment facilities to declare.

“We have built scenarios  for no cases, imported cases or when there are cases that spread in the community,” Lân said, adding that the scenarios would be flexible to ensure  timely responses.

As soon as Việt Nam confirmed the first cases of monkeypox, the Ministry of Health  on Monday recommended people follow six measures to protect themselves from monkeypox.

Monkeypox can be spread from animals to humans and humans to humans, and in some cases cause skin infections, pneumonia, eye problems, and even death. The disease tends to be more severe in children, pregnant women or people with an impaired immune system.

The incubation period is five to 21 days (usually six to 13 days). Monkeypox has symptoms similar to smallpox but differs in its systemic skin lesions and enlarged lymph nodes.

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