The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is likely to penetrate into Vietnam, according to a warning issued by the Ministry of Health (MoH)’s Preventive Health Department.

The Department has strengthened dissemination on preventing an epidemic of the viral respiratory illness, especially stepping up screening examinations for visitors from the infected-areas at international border gates.

In turn, the Centre for International Health Quarantine is beefing up preventative efforts at international airports, hanging MoH’s posters about preventing MERS-COV, and  intensifying screening examinations for passengers from the Middle East.

The posters call on people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, cover their mouth and nose when sneezing and avoid touching dirty hands on face, eyes, noses and mouth, as well as limiting contact with people infected with any acute respiratory disease.

Especially, anyone with symptoms of high fever, coughing and experiencing difficulty breathing should go to the nearest medical station for timely treatment.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 700 cases including 210 fatalities of MERS-CoV were reported in 20 nations and territories in the world through June 11 this year.

VOV/VNN