COVID-19: Vietnam confirms community case after 99 days

Hospital C where the patient visited for medical check-ups has been locked down and disinfected against the possible spread of the virus

The local health sector has scrambled to trace the source of infection to curb the virus further spreading in the community.

The new infection means Vietnam has recorded another coronavirus case in the community since the last one was detected more than 3 months ago. He is the 416th coronavirus case in Vietnam

The 57-year-old man, who lives with his wife and daughter in Lien Chieu district, showed signs of a fever and a cough on July 17. He was admitted to Hospital C in the city on July 20, displaying symptoms of a mild fever and pneumonia.

He first tested positive by the Da Nang Centre of Disease Control on July 23, and the results of subsequent tests were later confirmed by the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology.

The patient was transferred to Da Nang hospital for medical surveillance and treatment. He is on a ventilator due to respiratory failure.

If mechanical ventilation does not help, the patient will be on the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life support machine, said Nguyen Truong Son, Deputy Minister of Health. 

The source of infection is still unknown as he has a complex travel record, according to doctors. The patient had visited three medical centres, attended a party and participated in a wedding in Da Nang.

The source of infection is still unknown as he has a complex travel record, according to doctors. The patient had visited three medical centres, attended a party and participated in a wedding in Da Nang.

Authorities imposed a lockdown on Hospital C where the patient looked after his mother and visited a doctor for medical check-ups. They also tracked down those who had close and direct contact with the patient.

A total of 103 people were tested for COVID-19 and they were first declared virus free.

Authorities also isolated the area where the patient lives and continued to trace other contacts.

The Ministry of Health dispatched a contingent of experts to Da Nang to assist the city with prevention work.

Ho Chi Minh City-based Cho Ray Hospital, one of the leading health facilities in Vietnam, sent experienced doctors to Da Nang.

Da Nang announced on July 24 it has suspended all international flights to the city.