On December 3, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health reported that in week 48 (November 25 - December 1), the city had 319 measles cases, an increase of 58.1% compared to the average of the previous 4 weeks. Of these, there were 180 inpatient cases (an increase of 36.6%), 180 outpatient cases (an increase of 98.6%).
The number of cases continues to increase in children aged 6-9 months and 11-14 years. The number of infections in the 1-10 year group has not increased.
Notably, there was one measles death case, a 12-month-old child (female, Thu Duc City) who had not been vaccinated against measles due to malnutrition and congenital right lung hypoplasia. Previously, the child was treated at Children's Hospital 2 with a diagnosis of sepsis - severe pneumonia after measles, with a positive measles MAC ELISA test.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, this death continues to warn about the danger that measles can cause and the need for full vaccination, especially in groups at risk of severe complications when contracting measles.
From the beginning of 2024 to week 48, the city recorded a total of 2,438 measles cases, including 1,752 inpatients, 686 outpatients, and 4 deaths.
The number of cases from other provinces treated at 4 hospitals in the city has also increased. Since the beginning of the year, the cumulative number of measles cases from other provinces is 4,242, including 3,219 inpatients, with 1 death recorded at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
To respond to the measles epidemic, Ho Chi Minh City continues to implement a single measles vaccination campaign for children from 6 months to under 9 months old. As of December 1, the campaign has administered 6,278 doses (17.16% of the total number of children screened).
In addition, the city continues to review and implement a measles vaccination campaign for children aged 1-10 in the area. To date, most districts have reported completing over 100% of the vaccination target.
