Hanoi steps up disease control at Noi Bai International Airport

Hanoi's authorities are ramping up efforts to prevent and control respiratory diseases, with a particular focus on the Noi Bai International Airport, as the city faces heightened health risks during the winter-spring festival season.

The move comes as part of a directive from the Hanoi People's Committee, issued on February 19, in response to growing concerns over seasonal flu, measles, and other respiratory illnesses. With the current weather, marked by monsoon winds and high humidity, conditions are good for the spread of respiratory pathogens.

This situation, coupled with high tourist traffic due to the early-year festival season, increases the risk of disease transmission. Recent data indicates that the Noi Bai International Airport has seen a significant surge in passenger traffic, with daily figures reaching up to 100,000 travelers on peak days during Tet (the Lunar New Year) 2025, reflecting robust growth compared to regular periods.

The municipal government has instructed the Department of Health to conduct comprehensive surveillance measures, with particular emphasis on monitoring cases of severe viral pneumonia, seasonal influenza, and measles. These efforts are being intensified at the Noi Bai International Airport, where more rigorous health screening protocols are now in place.

Healthcare facilities across the city, both public and private, are being asked to prepare for a potential increase in patient admissions. They need to ensure adequate supplies of medicines, medical equipment, and facilities to provide timely treatment, especially for high-risk groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and patients with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease or those on dialysis.

Schools are performing daily health monitoring and maintaining proper ventilation in classrooms. Kindergartens and primary schools are required to regularly disinfect learning spaces, dining areas, and playgrounds. Students showing symptoms are advised to stay home.

Local authorities at all levels are coordinating to ensure timely response to any disease outbreaks. This includes conducting thorough investigations when cases are detected, implementing isolation measures when necessary, and maintaining adequate supplies of chemicals and equipment for disease prevention and control.

The city's Department of Health also continues its vaccination program and provide catch-up immunizations for those who haven't completed their recommended shots according to the Ministry of Health's guidelines.

These comprehensive measures reflect Hanoi's proactive approach to protecting public health during a period of heightened risk, combining enhanced surveillance, medical preparedness, and community engagement to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, health experts said.