Measles and whooping cough epidemics increased 8-25 times

Students of all levels are returning to school, so the risk of contracting infectious diseases is high, especially some infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, hand, foot and mouth disease and some respiratory diseases.

The number of measles cases is increasing rapidly in many localities.

On August 19, the Ministry of Health said that through the infectious disease surveillance system, since the beginning of 2024, many localities have recorded an increase in cases of measles, whooping cough and a number of other infectious diseases.

In particular, compared to the same period in 2023, the number of measles cases increased more than 8 times and the number of whooping cough cases increased more than 25 times. Meanwhile, the whole country is preparing to enter the new school year, students at all levels are returning to school, so the risk of infectious diseases is high, especially with some infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, hand, foot and mouth disease and some diseases transmitted through the respiratory tract.

To proactively prevent epidemics during the back-to-school season, the Ministry of Health requested the People's Committees of 63 provinces and cities to continue to direct authorities at all levels and mobilize departments, branches, and socio-political organizations to closely coordinate with the health sector and proactively deploy epidemic prevention solutions in the area.

Health departments are required to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation in the area, strengthen surveillance, early detection of cases, outbreaks in the community and medical facilities; implement isolation, promptly and thoroughly handle outbreaks, and prevent outbreaks in the community. Along with that, closely coordinate with the Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology/Pasteur to proactively assess risks, analyze the situation, to promptly deploy measures to handle outbreaks and organize vaccination campaigns to prevent disease...

The Ministry of Health recommends that localities strengthen vaccination work to prevent epidemics before the new school year.

The Department of Education and Training and schools nationwide prepare the best conditions to ensure the health of children, pupils and students when entering the new school year; ensure clean hygiene, airy classrooms and enough light at educational institutions, schools, nurseries and kindergartens.

At the same time, closely coordinate with the health sector to guide educational institutions, especially kindergartens and nurseries, to implement epidemic prevention and control measures.

MINH KHANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dich-soi-va-ho-ga-tang-8-25-lan-post754764.html