Lao Cai strictly controls measles epidemic in highland areas

Since the beginning of March, Tung Chung Pho commune, Muong Khuong district, Lao Cai province has recorded nearly 70 cases of children showing symptoms of measles such as fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Since the first case was recorded, the task of preventing and fighting the epidemic has been deployed to every village, hamlet, and household.

Monitoring and treating a child with measles in the mountainous district of Muong Khuong

Ms. Ha Thuy Nghiem, Head of Lung Pau Village, Tung Chung Pho Commune, Muong Khuong District shared: "For households with children with measles, we go directly to each household to propagate and mobilize people to keep distance, isolate sick children from other children, to limit the spread."

In Ta Van Chu commune, Bac Ha district, there have been over 80 cases of measles recorded so far. All cases were basically detected early for timely treatment.

Doctor Nguyen Van Hien, Head of Ta Van Chu Commune Health Station, said: "First, we will organize to bring the children to the commune health station so that we can quarantine them. In cases beyond our capacity, especially dehydration, we will transfer them to the district general hospital for treatment. However, basically, the children's health is stable."

Statistics show that Bac Ha district has had over 800 measles cases to date, of which about 60 are being treated at medical facilities. According to Dr. Nguyen Van Tai, Deputy Director of Bac Ha District Medical Center, the majority of cases are children of preschool and primary school age, living in highland villages and vaccination depressions, so prevention and control work requires urgency and synchronization.

Lao Cai Department of Health working group monitors measles epidemic in Bac Ha.

"The first is to closely monitor the epidemic situation. The second is to disinfect all schools. The third is to vaccinate all children who have not been vaccinated and those who have missed doses. Thanks to the drastic direction of the medical center, the current measles epidemic has decreased," said Dr. Nguyen Van Tai.

A review by the Lao Cai Health Department shows that the province has so far had over 3,800 cases of measles; most concentrated in 5 highland localities including Sa Pa, Bat Xat, Bac Ha, Muong Khuong and Simacai. In addition to those who have recovered, the province currently has nearly 400 cases that are being monitored and treated; there is 01 case with severe progression requiring intensive care.

Faced with the complicated epidemic situation in the highland areas. In April 2025, the Lao Cai Provincial Department of Health organized 2 delegations to monitor the epidemic in Muong Khuong and Bac Ha districts. The monitoring results showed that the vaccination rate according to the campaign in these 2 localities reached over 97%, however, the vaccination progress by age group, by commune and town has not yet met the requirements.

In order to best control the epidemic and minimize deaths, the Lao Cai Provincial Department of Health requested its affiliated units to seriously focus on professional work. In particular, it is necessary to thoroughly review, supplement and vaccinate the remaining subjects to achieve at least 95% coverage for each group of subjects and each village.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/lao-cai-kiem-soat-chat-che-dich-soi-o-cac-khu-vuc-vung-cao-post400813.html