Strengthening the screening, admission, treatment, and infection control of measles.

(Chinhphu.vn) - Faced with the increasing and prolonged outbreak of measles in most provinces and cities, especially the high number of measles patients in the first quarter of 2025, and some deaths, the Ministry of Health requests medical facilities to organize triage and set up separate examination areas for people suspected of having measles and those with measles.

Strengthening the triage, admission, treatment, and infection control of measles in healthcare facilities - Photo: VGP/HM

Specifically, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan requested that directors of medical examination and treatment facilities develop, review, and update plans for measles prevention and control, including preparing contingency plans for admission, emergency care, isolation, and treatment in situations where there is an increase in suspected measles cases, measles patients seeking examination and hospitalization, and an increase in severe and critical cases.

At the same time, implement diverse communication measures (such as loudspeakers, posters, leaflets, websites, fanpages, etc., and direct guidance) to ensure that patients, their families, healthcare workers, trainees, and students understand measles and measures to prevent and control measles, as well as the effectiveness of measles vaccination.

The organization provides guidance and advice to family members of patients, suspected measles cases, and measles patients to adopt measures to reduce the spread of the disease, such as wearing masks and covering their mouths when sneezing.

Specifically, separate examination areas should be organized within the outpatient department for suspected measles cases and measles patients.

Implement a hierarchical system of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of measles according to the Ministry of Health's Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Measles. Establish isolation areas for measles patients in the Infectious Diseases Department, Pediatrics Department, or other isolation areas within clinical departments.

The Ministry of Health requires medical facilities to prepare sufficient medicines, supplies, and medical equipment - Photo: VGP/HM

For severe measles cases requiring intensive care, hospitals will arrange treatment areas in the intensive care unit or intensive care unit/beds within the infectious disease department… and must ensure isolation and infection control to prevent cross-infection.

Organize departmental, interdepartmental, and hospital consultations as prescribed or request professional support from other medical facilities when needed; adjust the number of hospital beds, supplement personnel appropriately and in accordance with current regulations to meet treatment needs, reduce the burden on medical staff, and prevent cross-infection.

In addition, limit the number of visitors to patients in medical facilities to prevent infection.

Strengthen inspection and supervision of compliance by healthcare workers, patients, and their families with regulations on infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.

Prepare medicines, supplies, and medical equipment.

The Ministry of Health also requested the preparation of medicines, supplies, and medical equipment for the examination and treatment of measles, and infection control in accordance with the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on March 26th and related guidelines.

At the same time, training and instruction on the implementation of the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Measles, recently issued by the Ministry of Health in Decision No. 1019/QD-BYT, are also being conducted.

Prepare a response plan based on the evolving measles situation, closely coordinate medical examination and treatment with preventive measures; and report infectious diseases as required.

The Ministry of Health requires all medical examination and treatment facilities to seriously implement these instructions. Any difficulties or obstacles encountered during implementation should be reported promptly to the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management for compilation and submission to the Ministry's leadership for consideration and guidance.

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/tang-cuong-phan-luong-thu-dung-dieu-tri-va-kiem-soat-lay-nhiem-soi-102250330115820174.htm