The Ministry of Health has warned travellers about the threat of the avian influenza A (H7N9) virus from China as the two countries share a long border and border trade remains very active.

Two new A(H7N9) cases discovered in China

As of November 16, no cases of H7N9 have been reported in Vietnam. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development are increasing preventive measures for spring and Lunar New Year when border trade and cattle smuggling are predicted to become even more active.

The Preventive Medicine Administration, under the Ministry of Health cited the World Health Organisation that warned two new A(H7N9) cases had been discovered in China. Both of the infected patients raised cattle at their houses and developed symptoms in October.

The A (H7N9) virus were first reported in China in March 2013. So far there have been 585 cases with 212 fatalities recorded globally, including 556 cases in China.

There is no hard evidence that A(H7N9) virus can be transmitted easily. However due to complicated situation and high fatality rate, the WHO have warned tourists not to visit farms in China.