Potential introduction of cholera within the nation remains uncertain: ministerial statement

In recent developments, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the increasing complexity of the global cholera situation, with outbreaks occurring in 31 countries and high fatality rates. The Eastern Mediterranean region has reported the highest number of cases this year, while the African region has seen the highest number of cholera-related deaths.

Notably, Sudan is currently grappling with the highest reported cholera cases, with over 18,000 cases and approximately 550 deaths reported in ten states since July. Large-scale vaccination campaigns are underway to curb the spread of the disease.

Amidst these global concerns, Vietnam, a country that has not recorded any cases of cholera in the past 12 years, is taking proactive measures to safeguard its citizens. The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Vietnam has recommended that those returning from countries or regions with increasing cholera outbreaks should monitor their health for five days.

To further bolster these efforts, units will increase inspections, guidance, and supervision at border gates and high-risk areas for cholera entry into Vietnam. The Department of Disease Prevention in Vietnam will closely monitor the cholera epidemic situation and instruct provinces and cities to strengthen disease prevention measures.

Cholera, an infectious disease characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, and acute electrolyte imbalance, can cause large-scale epidemics with high mortality rates. The disease spreads through the digestive tract, mainly by eating and drinking contaminated water and food, especially seafood. Cholera bacteria can survive for a long time in brackish water near river mouths or coastal areas and live parasitically on aquatic planktonic organisms such as algae and crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, clams, snails, and mussels.

About 75% of people infected with the cholera bacteria show no symptoms but still excrete the bacteria into the environment for seven to 14 days. Among symptomatic cases, 80% are mild to moderate, and 20% suffer severe dehydration.

In response to these global developments, the MoH in Vietnam has contacted WHO to update and exchange information on the global cholera situation and assess the risk of cholera in Vietnam. A risk assessment meeting on the transmission of cholera will be organised, involving international experts from WHO, US CDC, and domestic specialists.

The WHO has reported 409,222 cholera cases and 4,738 deaths worldwide from the beginning of the year until August 29. South Sudan and Sudan continue to experience ongoing cholera outbreaks.

As the global cholera situation becomes increasingly complex, Vietnam's proactive measures underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness in preventing the spread of this potentially deadly disease. The Ministry of Health's headquarters is located in Ha Noi, Vietnam, where efforts are being made to ensure the continued health and safety of the Vietnamese population.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO launched the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for cholera in Africa on August 26, further emphasizing the international community's commitment to combating this global health threat.

Potential introduction of cholera within the nation remains uncertain: ministerial statement