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Source: http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/...l-outbreak-of-encephalitis-120-infected-.html
Updated June, 17 2010 09:35:26
Seven die in national outbreak of encephalitis, 120 infected
A doctor treats a child suffering from encephalitis at Bac Giang Province's General Hospital. Fifteen provinces and cities have reported outbreaks so far. ? VNA/VNS Photo Huu Oai
HCM CITY ? Seven people have died of viral encephalitis in the country in the last month, according to the Preventive Health Department under the Ministry of Health.
A total of 120 people have been infected so far in 15 provinces and cities including Ha Noi and HCM City and Nam Dinh, Bac Giang, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Dak Lak and Dong Nai.
Dr Tran Nhu Duong, deputy head of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said the disease usually spreads most rapidly in both the north and south between May and August.
The northern provinces had reported the highest incidence, he said.
Japanese encephalitis is a very common disease among children aged under 15, with the fatality rate topping 30 per cent if patients are not treated in time.
Duong dispelled a misconception that eating litchi causes the disease, explaining it is caused by a virus or hypersensitivity to a virus or foreign protein.
"Mosquitoes spread the virus responsible for encephalitis," he said. ? VNS
Updated June, 17 2010 09:35:26
Seven die in national outbreak of encephalitis, 120 infected
A doctor treats a child suffering from encephalitis at Bac Giang Province's General Hospital. Fifteen provinces and cities have reported outbreaks so far. ? VNA/VNS Photo Huu Oai
HCM CITY ? Seven people have died of viral encephalitis in the country in the last month, according to the Preventive Health Department under the Ministry of Health.
A total of 120 people have been infected so far in 15 provinces and cities including Ha Noi and HCM City and Nam Dinh, Bac Giang, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Dak Lak and Dong Nai.
Dr Tran Nhu Duong, deputy head of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said the disease usually spreads most rapidly in both the north and south between May and August.
The northern provinces had reported the highest incidence, he said.
Japanese encephalitis is a very common disease among children aged under 15, with the fatality rate topping 30 per cent if patients are not treated in time.
Duong dispelled a misconception that eating litchi causes the disease, explaining it is caused by a virus or hypersensitivity to a virus or foreign protein.
"Mosquitoes spread the virus responsible for encephalitis," he said. ? VNS