HCM City: Measles cases on the rise, another fatality reported

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health reported that the city recorded 319 fresh cases in the past week, an increase of 58.1% compared to the average of the previous four weeks.

The number of cases continues to rise in the 6–9-month-old and 11–14-year-old age groups, while the 1–10-year-old group has not seen an increase.

Notably, the city documented an additional measles-related fatality - a 12-month-old girl from Linh Chieu Ward, Thu Duc City. The child had not been vaccinated against measles due to malnutrition and a congenital right lung hypoplasia condition.

A representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health emphasized that this fatal case serves as a serious warning about the dangers of the measles outbreak and underscores the critical importance of complete vaccination, especially for high-risk groups prone to severe complications from the disease.

Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh City Infection Control Society, stated that the number of measles cases is expected to keep rising, not only in Ho Chi Minh City but also in other areas across the country if the issue of community immunity is not addressed.

“Only complete and timely vaccination can control and eliminate the disease,” he emphasized.

To combat the measles outbreak, Ho Chi Minh City continues to implement a vaccination campaign targeting children aged 6 months to under 9 months with a single-dose measles shot. As of December 1, 2024, the campaign has administered 6,278 doses, achieving 17.16% coverage of the identified target population.

At the same time, the city is stepping up its vaccination campaign for children aged 1 to 10 years. To date, most districts have exceeded 100% of their vaccination targets.

However, efforts must continue to ensure no child is overlooked, especially those who have not been vaccinated or have incomplete vaccination records. Hospitals and medical facilities have been instructed to strengthen screening and administer measles vaccines to high-risk children, such as those with congenital conditions or chronic illnesses, provided there are no contraindications.

Additionally, surveillance, public communication, and community disease prevention activities are being intensified. Schools are responsible for coordinating vaccination efforts, maintaining comprehensive vaccination records, and working with healthcare units to prevent the spread of measles.

Since the beginning of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City has recorded a total of 2,438 measles cases, with four fatalities.