Vietnam has reported its first variant H1N1 (H1N1v) flu case, which involves a 70-year-old woman who died from her illness, according to an update from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The laboratory-confirmed case of swine-origin influenza was reported in the province of Son La, on August 19, and marks the first ever variant H1N1 case in Vietnam. The source of the woman's infection isn't known.
According to the WHO, the patient developed fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite 1 week after returning from spending a month in her home village in Hung Yen province. She died on June 11 after seeking treatment for pneumonia and being admitted to a hospital on June 1.
No cases in contacts, animals
"Epidemiological investigations revealed that the patient lived alone and had limited contact with a few villagers and caregivers during her illness in Son La province," the WHO said. "There have been no reports of respiratory symptoms among contacts, including healthcare workers of the case, or outbreaks in the community in Son La where the patient lived."
There have been no reports of respiratory symptoms among contacts, including healthcare workers of the case,.
There have also been no disease outbreaks in animals, including livestock, near the case-patient's residence in Son La. The WHO said risk of spread from this case is currently low, and it does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions to Vietnam at this time.
