On April 17, the Ministry of Health said that from the beginning of 2025 to now, the whole country has recorded 67,904 suspected measles cases, of which 7,235 cases are positive. In week 15 (from 05.04/2025 to 11.04.2025), the whole country recorded 4,519 suspected measles cases, down 6.3% compared to the previous week (4,822 cases).
The number of cases tends to increase from week 9, stagnate in week 14 and decrease in week 15. Regarding the local situation, some provinces and cities recorded a decrease in the number of cases such as Nghe An, Hue City, Hanoi, Da Nang City, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Thap.
In contrast, Gia Lai, Lai Chau and Lao Cai have increased number, mainly ethnic minorities. Worrying, there were 08 cases of measles -related deaths. Compared to the first 3 months of 2025, the structure of the infected age has changed: the group 1-10 years old decreases, while the group under 1 year of age and over 10 years old increases. Analysis of vaccination status shows the highest measles incidence in the unpaid group (82.8%).
In this situation, the health sector has implemented many drastic measures. The Ministry of Health has closely monitored the epidemic situation across the country, especially in provinces and cities with high numbers of cases, and directed medical facilities to strengthen medical examination and treatment and infection control.
The measles vaccination campaign was strongly implemented, with positive results: the first campaign was injected with 95.5% of the subjects, and the 2nd phase campaign (as of 07.4.2025) was injected with 96% of the subjects. In addition, the Ministry of Health also focused on information and coordination, working with the National Medical Information Center to improve the quality of infectious diseases reports, and coordinate with the press agencies to propagate about the epidemic situation and prevention measures.
Although the epidemic situation shows signs of declining, the health sector still believes that there are many challenges. Some localities have not achieved a high vaccination rate (≥95%) due to difficulties in reaching the target, especially in remote areas and large urban areas. The awareness of a part of the people is still limited, leading to the fear of vaccination. In addition, the number of grassroots health workers is still thin, causing difficulties in implementation.
In order to effectively respond, the Ministry of Health recommends that the Departments of Health of provinces and cities strengthen the communication on the epidemic situation and recommend the disease prevention. Institute of epidemiology, Pasteur Institute are required to closely monitor the situation and study epidemic prevention measures. Medical examination and treatment facilities should perform well the flow, collection, patient treatment and control of infection. Health facilities must ensure the complete and timely reporting of cases as prescribed.
