Since early this year, Hanoi has reported 21 cases of Japanese encephalitis, 17 cases more than the same period last year. HCM City to launch large-scale Japanese encephalitis shots Biosensor detects Japanese encephalitis virus. Of the infection number, one died in the outlying district of Ba Vi. The disease has occurred scatteredly in 21 wards and villages of 14 districts. Most patients were children who had not been vaccinated, or were unclear about vaccination record. Nguyen Nhat Cam, director of the Hanoi Preventive Medicine Centre, reports far too many parents are reluctant to have their children vaccinated because they are afraid the vaccines cause adverse side effects. “This is unfortunate and results in pushing the number of patients up,” Cam said. “For children aged 1-3 the disease is essentially contained with a vaccination rate of nearly 97%.” Currently, the municipal medical sector is carrying out additional immunization campaigns for children aged 1-14 in all affected areas, he said. The disease’s main syndromes are high fever, headache, feeling sick and vomiting. Children also often report losing sleep, crying, seizures and coma. The Ministry of Health cautions that maintaining a sanitary environment is the key to prevention of the disease. Houses should be cleaned regularly and livestock pens should be maintained a safe distance away from home. Vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent the disease. (Vov.vn July 23)
