Ho Chi Minh City sees respiratory infections surge 64% amid flu outbreak

The Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Disease Control reported a 64% increase in acute respiratory infection cases as influenza viruses emerge as leading causes of illness across the urban area. Laboratory analysis identified 151 positive flu samples during one week of surveillance, signaling a rapid acceleration in transmission rates.

Influenza A strains account for the majority of confirmed cases, with the A/H1N1pdm09 pandemic variant representing approximately 77% of positive samples, or roughly 116 cases. The concentration of a single dominant strain raises concerns about disease spread among vulnerable populations, though health officials note that the virulence of detected strains remains consistent with previous assessments.

In response to mounting infection rates, Ho Chi Minh City health authorities have mandated mask-wearing in medical facilities to reduce transmission risk. Emergency medical services have also reported handling nearly 1,500 respiratory arrest cases requiring telephone-guided first aid over the same period, indicating increased severity in some patients.

Health officials are monitoring the situation closely as respiratory season continues in the region. The city's disease control center urged residents to seek early medical attention for respiratory symptoms and maintain preventive hygiene measures.