VietNamNet Bridge – In the first three weeks of this year, 26 people tested positive for A/H1N1 influenza, according to the Ministry of Health's Preventive Health Department.

The first case was discovered in Long An Province and since then, 15 cases had been reported in HCM City and 10 in Ha Noi.

Professor Tran Thanh Duong, deputy director of the department, said that the department had tested 52 samples between December 27, 2010 and January 2.

The results revealed that 30.8 per cent were infected with flu. However, most patients showed only light flu symptoms with no serious complications, he said.

Doctor Nguyen Hong Ha, deputy director of the Ha Noi-based Central Tropical Disease Hospital, said that more cases of the flu were likely to occur during the lunar new year festival, especially given the cold weather.

The doctor said the virus often spreads quickly in crowded environments such as schools, kindergartens and offices that use air-conditioning.

Duong said the department had asked relevant authorities to closely monitor the health of those who tested positive for A/H1N1 and their relatives, and identify and stamp out epidemic hot spots.

The department also asked border check points to strengthen the supervision of immigrants round-the-clock to identify and isolate flu cases if needed.

Professor Nguyen Tran Hien, head of the Central Institute for Epidemiology, said that people should take preventive measures to avoid the flu, such as avoiding any contact with infected people and crowded places. Anyone displaying symptoms of the flu, including high fever and a bad cough, should be admitted to hospital.

Viet Nam was most heavily affected by the A/H1N1 virus in 2009 with 11,000 reported cases leading to 40 deaths.

The virus returned to Viet Nam claiming a further life last August after a five month absence. The number of cases globally seems to be on the increase, with 62 deaths since early last December in England and 12 since last October in Germany.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News