The epidemiologist advised travelers to check health conditions before visiting Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia.
On October 6, RIA Novosti reported that epidemiologist and Russian Academy of Sciences member Gennady Onishchenko did not expect Coxsackie virus to spread in Russia. Rospotrebnadzor had earlier asked Vietnam’s health ministry and Russia’s tour operators association for information after reports of Russian cases.
Onishchenko said that if infected travelers returned, prompt detection and identifying the region of Vietnam where they contracted the virus would be important for public-health measures. He advised travelers to check conditions in their destination before leaving. The World Health Organization is monitoring the virus across Southeast Asia.
Coxsackie is an enterovirus that can persist in the environment, with hot and humid weather supporting its survival. It spreads through close contact and contaminated water or food. Symptoms usually include fever, rash and mucosal lesions. Children are more vulnerable, although most cases are mild.