Diphtheria Outbreaks Remain under Control in Vietnam Year to Date: Official

Vietnam's diphtheria situation has remained stable in the year to date, with low case numbers and controlled outbreaks, posing a low risk of widespread infection, said Dr. Hoang Minh Duc, Director of the General Department of Preventive Medicine.

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and the diphtheria vaccine has been part of Vietnam’s national immunization program since 1985, resulting in broad immunity in the community and a significant reduction in cases, Dr. Duc stated.

In 1983, Vietnam reported around 3,500 cases, but recent years have only seen sporadic cases in areas with less than 100% vaccination coverage, he added.

He emphasized that home isolation should only apply to those who have had close contact with confirmed diphtheria patients, not to broader contacts as was done during the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged local authorities to avoid unnecessary and improper widespread isolation that could cause public fear and disrupt daily life.

In 2023, Vietnam recorded 57 diphtheria cases and seven deaths. From the beginning of 2024 to July 18, six cases have been reported, with one fatality. These include three cases in Ha Giang province in January, February, and April from old outbreak sites, one case and one death in Ky Son district, Nghe An province in June, and two cases in Hiep Hoa district, Bac Giang province in July.

(VTV)