Many measles cases are adults, with severe progression.

People with unknown vaccination history and who have not had measles should proactively get vaccinated - Photo: VGP/HM

The Ministry of Health has recorded many cases of measles in adults, with severe progression and recorded deaths.

Most recently, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital recorded a measles death in an adult. This patient died of measles on a background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes.

Previously, the patient was hospitalized with severe lung complications and required dialysis. After 2 weeks of treatment, the patient passed away.

Every day, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital currently receives about 10 to 20 adult patients with measles with many symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, watery eyes, runny nose...

Who should get the measles vaccine?

Medical experts say that measles is the fastest spreading infectious disease, and all ages are at risk of contracting measles. On average, one person with measles can infect 12-18 others. Measles is transmitted through the respiratory tract.

Measles can cause dangerous complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, otitis media, corneal ulcers or diarrhea, respiratory failure, and even death. Most people have not been vaccinated or have been vaccinated against measles but have not received a booster shot.

In particular, people with underlying diseases such as diabetes and immunodeficiency are at higher risk and the disease can easily become severe.

The Ministry of Health requires medical facilities to separate and arrange separate examination areas for measles patients - Photo: VGP/HM

To strengthen the prevention and control of measles to limit severe cases and deaths, the Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health recommends that people at high risk of severe complications related to measles include:

People with chronic lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, people over 50 years old, especially those with unknown vaccination history and have never had measles should proactively get vaccinated against measles.

People at high risk of measles symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, rash need to go to medical facilities immediately for examination, timely treatment advice, and to limit serious complications of the disease.

Limit contact with people with measles or suspected measles. If contact is necessary, wear a mask and wash your hands after contact with the patient.

Improve personal hygiene, nose and throat, keep warm, improve physical condition to increase resistance to prevent measles.

Practice good environmental hygiene, keep the working, studying and living environment well-ventilated; regularly clean the surfaces of living, working and studying places.

Triage and arrange separate examination areas for measles patients

At facilities treating measles patients, the Ministry of Health requires directors of medical examination and treatment facilities to develop, review, and update plans for measles prevention and control, including preparing plans for admission, emergency care, isolation, and treatment in the event of an increase in suspected measles cases, measles patients coming for examination and hospitalization, and an increase in severe and critical cases.

At the same time, implement diverse communication measures (such as through loudspeakers, posters, leaflets, websites, fanpages..., direct instructions) so that patients, patients' relatives, medical staff, trainees and students clearly understand measles and measures to prevent and control measles, and the effectiveness of measles vaccination.

Organize guidance and recommendations for family members of patients, people suspected of having measles, and people with measles to apply measures to reduce the spread of the disease such as wearing masks, covering mouths when sneezing, etc.

In particular, organize triage and arrange separate examination areas in the examination department for people suspected of having measles and people with measles.

Implement professional decentralization in measles examination and treatment according to the Ministry of Health's Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Measles. Arrange isolated measles treatment areas in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics or isolation areas of clinical departments.

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nhieu-ca-mac-soi-la-nguoi-truong-co-dien-bien-nang-102250413144806535.htm