ANN/VIETNAM NEWS – Vietnam has recorded nearly 40,000 suspected measles cases and five related deaths since the start of the year, with health authorities warning of a continued surge in infections nationwide.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), high-risk areas include mountainous provinces with limited healthcare access and regions with low vaccination coverage, where outbreaks are more likely to occur.
To address the situation, the MoH convened a national conference on measles prevention and control. The hybrid conference connected ministry officials with health agencies across the country.
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan highlighted the challenges posed by climate change and seasonal shifts, stating that such factors have made the outbreak increasingly complex and unpredictable.
Health authorities are urging the public to ensure timely vaccinations, particularly in vulnerable communities, to curb the spread of the disease.
She requested local areas to closely monitor and promptly report the situation. In addition, it is necessary to call for the participation of all levels and sectors, not just the health sector.
At the same time, localities should prepare facilities, equipment and medical supplies, especially in high-risk areas. Director of the Department of Disease Prevention under the ministry Hoang Minh Duc said that the southern region recorded the highest number of cases (57 per cent), the Central region accounted for 19.2 per cent, the north 15.1 per cent and the Central Highlands 8.7 per cent.
The suspected measles cases are mainly in children from nine months to under 15 years old with 72.7 per cent, while the rate of infection in children under nine months old is 15.3 per cent.
