Measles-News-Vietnam-Ho-Chi-Minh-city-declares-Measles-outbreak-as-85-news-cases-reported-in-last-week
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 28, 2024 2 weeks, 3 days, 7 hours, 30 minutes ago
Measles News: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has declared a measles outbreak following a sharp increase in cases and the tragic deaths of three children. The city is now grappling with a growing public health crisis as authorities rush to implement measures to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh city declares Measles outbreak as 85 news cases reported in last week
Surge in Cases Prompts Outbreak Declaration
The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee officially announced the measles outbreak on August 27, responding to the alarming rise in cases reported across the city.
https://admin.medinet.gov.vn/Data/soytehcm/soytehcm/Attachments/2024_8/62885qdcongbodichsoisigned_278202417.pdf
https://medinet.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/chuyen-muc/ubnd-tphcm-chinh-thuc-cong-bo-dich-soi-tren-dia-ban-thanh-pho-c16634-71367.aspx
According to data from the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), the city recorded 85 cases of fever accompanied by rash between August 19 and August 25, with 20 of these cases confirmed to be measles. This brings the total number of suspected measles cases to 525 since the beginning of the year.
The outbreak declaration comes as the city recorded three deaths from measles since June. The deceased included a four-month-old girl who was too young to be vaccinated, a three-year-old girl who had not been immunized, and a seven-year-old boy who had received two doses of the measles vaccine. All three children had underlying health conditions, which exacerbated the severity of their illness.
Health Authorities Take Action
In response to the outbreak, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has issued a comprehensive plan to combat the spread of measles. The Department of Health has been tasked with coordinating efforts among various departments and agencies to implement measures for disease prevention and control. This includes increasing vaccination rates, particularly among children aged 1-5, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
The city plans to launch a campaign aimed at supplementing measles-rubella vaccination for all children within this age group, with the potential to expand the age range depending on the evolving situation. Health facilities have been instructed to provide timely treatment to measles patients, focusing on minimizing severe cases and fatalities.
Measles: A Contagious and Dangerous Disease
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the measles virus (Polynosa morbillorum). It can spread rapidly following an incubation period of seven to 21 days. The disease is particularly dangerous for young children and those with underlying health conditions, as it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, otitis media, keratit
is, diarrhea, and even death.
Medical experts emphasize that the key to controlling a measles outbreak lies in achieving a high community immunity rate. To effectively manage the disease, at least 95% of the population needs to be immunized with two doses of the measles vaccine. However, the current outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City suggests that vaccination coverage may be insufficient, particularly among younger children and those who have not completed their vaccination schedule.
Strengthening Epidemic Control Measures
To prevent further spread of the disease, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has requested the formation of a strengthened Steering Committee for epidemic prevention and control. According to local
Measles News reports, this committee will operate across all levels of the city, including districts, wards, and communes, to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
Local authorities have been urged to conduct regular inter-sectoral inspections to enforce epidemic prevention measures. Strict penalties will be imposed on individuals and organizations that violate these regulations, especially if their actions contribute to the spread of the disease.
Additionally, the city has mandated that anyone who is sick or suspected of being sick with measles must report to health authorities within 24 hours of diagnosis. This prompt reporting is crucial for managing and containing the outbreak, as it allows for timely testing, isolation, and treatment of affected individuals.
Public Health Recommendations
In light of the outbreak, health officials are urging the public to take preventive measures seriously. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. Individuals who have not yet been vaccinated or who have not completed their vaccination schedule are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Other recommended measures include wearing masks in crowded places, regularly washing hands with soap, particularly before and after caring for children, and maintaining a clean and well-ventilated living environment. Proper nutrition, including foods rich in vitamin A, can also help boost immunity and reduce the risk of severe complications from measles.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City highlights the importance of vaccination and the need for swift public health interventions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. As the city ramps up its efforts to control the outbreak, the cooperation of the public will be crucial in ensuring the safety and health of all residents.
For the latest updates on the measles crisis unfolding in Vietnam and the latest
Measles News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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