Hanoi: Most children with measles are under 5 years old.

On March 28, Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan - Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, had a working session with the Hanoi Department of Health to inspect and supervise the implementation of the measles vaccination campaign as well as the admission and treatment of patients in the area.

Accordingly, the delegation inspected the measles vaccination work at the Yen Nghia Ward Health Station, Ha Dong District. From the beginning of 2025 to now, Yen Nghia Ward has recorded 14 cases of measles (3 cases from 6 to under 9 months old). Notably, 100% of the cases have not been vaccinated or have only received 1 dose of measles vaccine.

Through statistics and screening, the total number of children aged 6 to under 9 months in the ward is currently 224, of which 164 have been vaccinated against measles, the rest are expected to complete vaccination during the campaign today - March 28 and will be updated and reported according to regulations.

The delegation continued to inspect and supervise the admission and treatment of measles at Hanoi Children's Hospital. Reporting to the inspection delegation, Dr. Do Thi Thuy Nga - Deputy Director of Hanoi Children's Hospital said that as of March 26, Hanoi Children's Hospital had treated 277 measles patients, of which 233 cases had recovered, and 44 cases were being treated at the hospital.

According to statistics from the Hanoi Department of Health, from the beginning of the year to March 27, 2025, the whole city recorded 1,474 cases of rash fever suspected of measles; of which 1,320 cases of measles were confirmed (accounting for 90%). Patients were recorded in 30/30 districts, towns and cities. The results of analyzing some epidemiological characteristics of confirmed measles cases showed that most of the patients were children under 5 years old (accounting for 64%) and had not been vaccinated or had not received 2 doses of measles vaccine (accounting for 83%).

Currently, the Hanoi health sector is focusing on continuing to implement the measles vaccination campaign for children from 6 months to under 9 months old under the direction of the Ministry of Health and the City People's Committee from February 17, 2025. As of March 27, the entire city has vaccinated 22,604 children out of a total of 23,421 children eligible for vaccination (reaching a rate of 97%).

According to Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Health Vu Cao Cuong, the activities to prevent and control measles epidemics are being proactively and resolutely implemented by Hanoi health sector in accordance with the direction of the Government, Ministry of Health and the City. At the same time, based on the actual epidemic situation, ensuring good control of the epidemic in the area.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan acknowledged and highly appreciated the direction and response to measles epidemic prevention of the Hanoi health sector over the past time. Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan said that measles is currently increasing in many areas around the world as well as in Vietnam, including Hanoi city. Exchange and travel between regions and localities are risks of spreading measles. Therefore, to prevent measles epidemics, the Hanoi health sector needs to focus on implementing 4 key measures.

Firstly, enhance community immunity through full and correct measles vaccination, good management of vaccination subjects, especially in areas with population fluctuations and difficult access, proactively detect depressions, and conduct timely vaccination and supplementary vaccination.

Second, monitor and detect early to localize and manage cases promptly. Third, prevent infection in the community through vaccination campaigns, disease prevention instructions, and self-health monitoring.

Fourth, preventing infection in hospitals: “Preventing infection in hospitals needs to be done immediately by controlling hospitalized measles cases through triage, early and accurate diagnosis, limiting contact between family members/caregivers and patients, isolating and treating them…”, emphasized Prof. Dr. Phan Trong Lan.

Ngoc Nga

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/ha-noi-hau-het-cac-tre-mac-soi-la-tre-duoi-5-tuoi-post543828.html