Vietnam HCMC Proposes Measles Outbreak Declaration amid Rising Cases, Deaths

The Department of Health in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City has recommended that the city’s administration declare a measles outbreak and implement stringent measures to control the disease, including reducing severe cases and fatalities, local media reported.

This proposal follows the detection of measles in 57 wards and communes across the city since the beginning of 2024. There have been 597 reported cases of suspected measles rash, with 346 confirmed positive cases. Notably, three children have died from measles.

The disease spreads faster than COVID-19, with one infected person potentially transmitting it to 12-18 others.

Local health officials advise parents to ensure their children receive two doses of the measles vaccine to build immunity and prevent severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.

Hospitals and health centers have been instructed to enhance surveillance, ensure infection control, and provide necessary medications and medical equipment.

(Suc Khoe Doi Song, baobinhdinh.vn, Giao Duc Thoi Dai, 24H, VOV)