CaliToday (08/9/2025): In a proactive move to safeguard public health, Vietnam's Ministry of Health has issued an urgent nationwide alert regarding the significant risk of cholera being introduced into the country. The warning calls for heightened vigilance from both health authorities and the public, outlining key preventive measures to form a strong defense against the potentially deadly disease.
The alert emphasizes that while there is no current outbreak, the risk of cross-border transmission is a serious concern. Cholera, an acute bacterial illness typically spread through contaminated food or water, can cause severe diarrhea and life-threatening dehydration, sometimes proving fatal within hours if not treated promptly. The Ministry's preemptive strategy underscores a commitment to preventing an outbreak before it can take hold.
At the heart of the public advisory are clear, actionable recommendations rooted in fundamental hygiene and food safety principles. The Ministry is strongly urging all citizens to adhere to the long-standing public health guideline: "ăn chín, uống sôi" — eat only thoroughly cooked food and drink only boiled water.
To further mitigate the risk, the public is advised to:
Practice rigorous hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
Ensure food safety: Avoid raw or undercooked foods, particularly raw vegetables, shellfish, and other seafood that may come from contaminated sources.
Use clean water: For drinking, cooking, and washing, use water that has been properly boiled, bottled, or otherwise treated.
Maintain sanitation: Ensure proper disposal of waste and maintain clean living conditions to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Health officials are calling for increased surveillance at border checkpoints, in communities, and at medical facilities to quickly detect any suspected cases. The Ministry of Health’s message is one of shared responsibility, stressing that the most effective shield against cholera is an informed and vigilant public.
By adhering to these simple yet critical guidelines, citizens can play a crucial role in the national effort to ensure that the threat of cholera remains outside Vietnam's borders.
