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| A child with severe measles on a ventilator at Children's Hospital in Cần Thơ City. — VNA/VNS Photo Ánh Tuyết |
HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Health (MoH) has urged local authorities to intensify their efforts to monitor and manage disease amid a surge in measles cases nationwide.
Data from the Department of Preventive Medicine reveals that measles cases have surged by over 800% since the beginning of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with the disease spreading in several regions.
On Tuesday, the HCM City People's Committee officially declared a measles outbreak, categorising it as a Category B infectious disease.
In response, the MoH has launched a nationwide measles vaccination campaign for 2024.
The ministry has released guidelines for proactive disease prevention as the new school year begins, with specific instructions on measles vaccination and prevention.
MoH is working closely with provincial and municipal governments, relevant ministries and other stakeholders to ensure that these measures are rigorously enforced.
In HCM City, the Department of Preventive Medicine has called for strict adherence to disease control protocols following the outbreak declaration.
These include the formation and strengthening of disease control committees at all administrative levels, accurate reporting of outbreaks, organising emergency care and treatment, mobilising necessary resources and maintaining round-the-clock readiness to combat the disease.
Other critical measures involve implementing medical isolation and ensuring personal protective measures are followed.
Localities across the country need to maintain vigilant monitoring of the epidemic, conduct proactive surveillance, swiftly identify and address outbreaks and regularly assess risks to propose timely and effective interventions.
Cooperation with neighbouring regions is also essential to share information and implement coordinated measures to prevent the spread and escalation of measles.
The ministry is also emphasising the need to intensify measles vaccination campaigns.
The public is advised to stay informed about the situation, ensure children receive all recommended vaccinations on schedule and follow preventive measures, such as avoiding large gatherings, practising regular hand washing with soap and wearing masks in public spaces. — VNS
