A medical worker supervises the body temperature of visitors at the Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in HCM City. To date, no Zika virus cases have been detected in Việt Nam. — Photo vov.vn

HÀ NỘI (VNS) — The Ministry of Health has collected a total of 784 samples for the Zika virus tests in 32 provinces and cities nationwide from the beginning of 2016 to March 30.

However, to date no sample has tested positive for the deadly virus in Việt Nam, according to the ministry’s Preventive Medicine Department.

“Việt Nam has not reported any case that has tested positive for the Zika virus,” department director Trần Đắc Phu said.

Director Phu also denied a rumour reported by local media that four people had tested positive for the virus.

The ministry has established eight teams to ensure virus prevention in 15 provinces and cities nationwide.

The health ministry has recommended to people that they ensure measures to prevent mosquito bites. Residents should actively kill mosquitoes and larvae by using ornamental fish and keeping water tanks and containers tightly covered. 

Pregnant women should take measures against mosquito bites and regularly visit the doctor for check-ups.

During the first three months of the gestation period, a pregnant woman who has lived or returned from an area infected by the virus and has fever, hives or any one of the symptoms such as bone and joint pains, or conjunctivitis, should undergo tests.

The ministry also warned people to minimise travelling between regions and localities. People returning from a Zika-affected area should monitor his or her health condition for 12 days. Those with symptoms should visit a medical station for early examination and treatment. — VNS