The World Health Organization (WHO) removed Vietnam from the list of SARS-affected areas April 28, the first country to successfully contain the SARS outbreak. WHO made the announcement after 20 consecutive days without a new case being diagnosed, twice the SARS incubation period. Both WHO and Vietnamese officials recognize that the country must remain vigilant against the disease to prevent a new outbreak. The U.S. State Department continues to recommend deferring nonessential travel to Vietnam and has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members, reporting that the SARS outbreak here dramatically diminished the level of medical services in Hanoi. The one hospital offering adequate services closed and the two main outpatient facilities reduced their services. With the lifting of the SARS notice by WHO, these facilities should resume normal services in due time.
