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Vietnam mourns the loss of a 21-year-old student who succumbed to avian flu, marking the country’s first fatality from the virus, as reported by media outlets on Tuesday. The Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health confirmed the tragic incident, disclosing that the young male, a student at Nha Trang University, fell victim to the H5N1 subtype of influenza virus infection.
The devastating news underscores the persistent threat posed by avian influenza and highlights the imperative for enhanced control measures to curb its transmission to humans, emphasized by the health ministry.
An epidemiological probe conducted by health authorities revealed no evidence of sick or deceased poultry in proximity to the deceased individual’s residence. However, the investigation did uncover the presence of trapped wild birds near the victim’s home before and after the Lunar New Year holiday.
Tragically, the young man lost his battle against the infection on March 23, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Since January, several provinces and cities, including Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Khanh Hoa, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Long An, and Tien Giang, have reported outbreaks of bird flu, further heightening concerns over the spread of the virus.
With seasonal shifts and unpredictable weather conditions creating conducive environments for virus propagation, the health ministry has issued a stern warning. Officials stressed the importance of heightened vigilance and increased surveillance to promptly identify and address any emerging cases.
As Vietnam grapples with this tragic loss and confronts the ongoing threat of avian flu, health authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing further casualties from this deadly virus.
