According to vaccination experts from the Ministry of Health , due to gaps in measles vaccination programs coupled with global exchange, pathogens are increasing and measles outbreaks have occurred in many countries, including Vietnam. Measles has also broken out in countries on the elimination list and those nearing the goal of eliminating measles. The reason is that measles spreads very quickly: one case of measles can infect 12-18 people.
90% of children with severe measles have not been vaccinated against measles.
PHOTO: DUY TINH
In Vietnam, according to the measles surveillance report for the week of April 12-17, the number of suspected measles cases was recorded at 4,122, a decrease of 8.8% compared to the previous week (4,519 cases), and two measles-related deaths were recorded (one case involved a patient undergoing cancer treatment with multiple underlying conditions; and one case involved a child admitted to the hospital late, after 3 days).
From the beginning of 2025 until now, the whole country has recorded 76,312 suspected cases of measles in 63 provinces and cities; of which, 8,614 cases tested positive for measles.
Regarding the measles outbreak, the Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health ) noted that the age distribution of cases has begun to change across age groups. Compared to the first three months of 2025, the group aged 1 to 10 years (accounting for 61.4%) has decreased by 6%; cases have slightly decreased in the group under 1 year old (currently accounting for 2.7%), down 0.4%. The group of measles patients over 10 years old (accounting for 35.9%) has increased by 6.4%. Of these, the 11-15 age group accounts for 19.2%; and the group over 16 years old accounts for 16.7%.
Regarding the measles vaccination campaign, currently 52 out of 54 provinces have achieved a vaccination rate of over 95% (meeting the planned target); 2 out of 54 provinces have high vaccination rates of 90-95%.
The Ministry of Health notes that while measles outbreaks are showing signs of subsiding, many challenges remain in prevention and control due to low vaccination rates in some localities, difficulties in reaching target groups, especially in remote areas and large urban centers. A segment of the population is still hesitant to get vaccinated. Furthermore, the limited number of grassroots healthcare workers hinders implementation efforts.
The Ministry of Health has directed provincial health departments to strengthen communication about the epidemic situation and disease prevention recommendations; to review children aged 11-15 who have not been vaccinated or have not received both doses of the measles-containing vaccine; and children with unknown vaccination history, who have never had measles, and who wish to be vaccinated with the measles-containing vaccine, specifying the number of eligible individuals in high-risk areas for vaccination implementation.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/them-2-ca-tu-vong-lien-quan-benh-soi-18525042117474577.htm
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