Da Nang, a key tourist destination in Vietnam’s central region, faces ahigh risk of an influenza A-H7N9 virus outbreak, and its authorities aretaking necessary measures to prevent the penetration of the dangerousvirus, which is now affecting the neighbouring country of China.

Although no cases of the H7N9 virus have been recorded in the city orVietnam, Da Nang has already prepared enough medicines, equipmentand facilities to deal with any outburst.

According to Da Nanghealth officials, the city’s hospitals, including Da Nang Obstetric andPaediatric Hospital, are ready to receive and treat patients withthe virus.

Besides, it is also taking measures to stop the virus at gateways and entrances into the city.

For the past week, visitors arriving in the city by sea or air have been checked carefully at airports and seaports.

Fivejoint teams have been set up by the Da Nang International EpidemicControl Centre in coordination with border gate staff. Their task is tomeasure the body temperature of all passengers entering the city todetect possible cases of the influenza.

The Da NangHealth Department and the Da Nang International Epidemic Control Centrewill soon install rooms to isolate anybody who is suspected of havingthe virus.

Pham Truc Lam, Deputy Director of the DaNang International Epidemic Control Centre said the coordination betweenthe epidemic control centre and concerned agencies at the city’s bordergates is very good, meaning the health service can check and controlthe disease right at the gates.

Nine internationalairlines, including three from China, where the virus is spreading,operate direct flights to Da Nang. Every week, around 2,000passengers arrive in the city from China.

The peak of thecity’s tourist season is near, with many activities that will attracthundreds of thousands of people. Therefore, Da Nang is paying dueattention to the supervision work now in order to minimise thepossibility of the virus entering the city.-VNA