According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Thai Binh province, since the beginning of the year, the measles situation in Vietnam has been complicated with many cases recorded in many localities across the country, including deaths. In Thai Binh province, last week, a suspected case of measles was recorded, a child who was treated at the National Children's Hospital. Through the investigation of the family, this child had been vaccinated with enough doses according to his age.
"As soon as there was information about the suspected measles case, the Thai Binh Center for Disease Control (CDC) quickly investigated, isolated the area and implemented epidemic prevention measures according to regulations," according to Thai Binh CDC.
Medical experts and doctors say that measles is a dangerous infectious disease that spreads very quickly. Just one person infected with the disease can infect many others with a coefficient of 20, meaning that 1 person infected with measles can infect 20 people around them who are not immune to measles.
In addition, the measles vaccination rate in many localities has not yet reached the required coverage level, creating favorable conditions for the measles virus to spread. In particular, 2024 is the year when measles epidemics are at risk of breaking out in a cycle of 4-5 years.
Not only does measles spread rapidly, it is also a dangerous disease that can easily lead to serious complications, even death. If not treated promptly, measles can cause multi-organ complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis, meningitis, corneal ulcers leading to blindness. Of which, pneumonia is the leading cause of death from measles.
It is known that the Thai Binh Health sector has requested units to prepare contingency plans and respond to epidemics according to possible levels and scales.
Accordingly, continue to maintain measles vaccination for children 9-12 months old and measles/rubella vaccination for children 18-24 months old, ensuring no subjects are missed.
Issue guidelines and procedures for responding to cases of measles or suspected measles coming to the unit for examination, ensuring procedures for triage, screening, isolation, and transport of infected and suspected cases to treatment areas; prepare resources, isolation and treatment areas or temporary isolation for patients and suspected measles patients depending on the scale.
