Measles and whooping cough outbreaks have increased 8-25 times.

Students of all levels are returning to school, therefore, the risk of contracting infectious diseases is increasing, especially certain infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, hand, foot and mouth disease, and some respiratory infections.

The number of measles cases is increasing sharply in many localities.

On August 19th, the Ministry of Health announced that, through the infectious disease surveillance system, many localities have recorded an increase in cases of measles, whooping cough, and other infectious diseases since the beginning of 2024.

In particular, compared to the same period in 2023, the number of measles cases increased more than eightfold and the number of whooping cough cases increased more than 25 times. Meanwhile, the whole country is preparing to enter the new school year, and students of all levels are returning to school, so the risk of infectious diseases is increasing, especially with some infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, hand, foot and mouth disease, and some respiratory diseases.

To proactively prevent and control infectious diseases during the back-to-school season, the Ministry of Health requests the People's Committees of all 63 provinces and cities to continue to direct local authorities at all levels and mobilize relevant departments, agencies, and socio- political organizations to closely coordinate with the health sector and proactively implement disease prevention and control measures in their respective areas.

Health departments are required to closely monitor the disease situation in their areas, strengthen surveillance, and promptly detect cases and outbreaks in the community and healthcare facilities; implement isolation and promptly handle outbreaks thoroughly to prevent the spread of the disease in the community. In addition, they should closely coordinate with the Institutes of Epidemiology/Pasteur to proactively assess risks, analyze the situation, and promptly implement measures to handle outbreaks and organize vaccination campaigns...

The Ministry of Health has urged localities to strengthen vaccination efforts to prevent disease outbreaks ahead of the new school year.

Departments of Education and Training and schools nationwide are preparing the best conditions to ensure the health of children, students, and university students as they enter the new school year; ensuring cleanliness, good ventilation, and sufficient lighting in classrooms at educational institutions, schools, nurseries, and kindergartens.

Simultaneously, we will closely coordinate with the health sector to guide educational institutions, especially kindergards and nurseries, in implementing disease prevention and control measures.

MINH KHANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dich-soi-va-ho-ga-tang-8-25-lan-post754764.html