Measles complications are unpredictable.
At the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Bach Mai Hospital, doctors are intensively treating a 51-year-old male patient from Gia Lam, Hanoi , who has measles. The man, who already suffers from diabetes and asthma, was admitted with a diagnosis of measles. Despite treatment, after 5 days, his shortness of breath worsened, requiring intubation, mechanical ventilation, atrial fibrillation (cardiac arrhythmia), and a high risk of serious complications.
A case of measles with critical complications.
Another case involves a 28-year-old female patient from Hai Hau, Nam Dinh , 8 weeks pregnant, who was admitted to the hospital with intermittent high fever, chills, muscle aches, and a rash spreading from her face to her neck, chest, and abdomen. Additionally, she had a dry cough, sore throat, and watery diarrhea 4 times a day, without abdominal pain. She had self-treated her fever at home, but her condition did not improve. Upon admission, she was diagnosed with measles with bacterial superinfection, suspected pneumonia, and a high risk to both mother and fetus.
Previously, the Institute of Tropical Medicine also admitted a 38-year-old male patient (Gia Lam, Hanoi) with severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and complications from measles. The patient was previously healthy, smoked, but had no prior lung disease. His condition deteriorated rapidly; just one day later, he developed a high fever of 39 degrees Celsius, a rash spreading from his face to his arms and torso. He coughed up thick white phlegm, had a sore throat, and progressively worsened shortness of breath, respiratory failure, and severe pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy upon transfer. At Bach Mai Hospital, the patient suffered from severe acute respiratory failure requiring intensive care, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, and ECMO.
Don't underestimate the benign nature of measles.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Do Duy Cuong, Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, since the beginning of the year, the hospital has received hundreds of measles cases in adults, averaging 10-20 cases per day. Common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, watery eyes, and runny nose. However, many patients develop severe complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, elevated liver enzymes, diarrhea, and even encephalitis/meningitis. Most of these cases are unvaccinated or, although previously vaccinated, have not received booster shots.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can easily spread in the community if not controlled. Therefore, when a person is diagnosed with measles, they need to be immediately isolated for treatment to prevent transmission to others.
"Cases of measles with complications such as upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, elevated liver enzymes, liver failure, multiple organ failure requiring dialysis, respiratory failure requiring intubation... account for about 5% of hospitalized patients. Cases with underlying conditions such as diabetes and immunosuppression are at higher risk and more likely to develop severe symptoms requiring mechanical ventilation," Associate Professor Dr. Cuong said.
Measles is a contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. The measles vaccine is included in the Expanded Immunization Program, administered to children from 9 months of age, with booster shots at 18 months or 2 years of age. Adults also need booster shots when their immune system weakens. If you have not been vaccinated or do not remember your vaccination history, you should get a booster shot of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Many people mistakenly believe that measles is just a mild illness that will resolve on its own after a few days. However, in reality, the disease can cause dangerous complications if not treated promptly. When experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, and persistent cough, it is necessary to go to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
"Currently in Vietnam, measles is on the rise, not only among children but also adults, especially those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems. The measles vaccine is very safe and effective, and the Ministry of Health recommends that all children receive it, including booster shots. Full vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps control outbreaks in the community. Measles is not as simple as many people mistakenly believe; proactively prevent it before it's too late," Mr. Cuong emphasized.
Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/nhieu-nguoi-lon-nhiem-soi-nguy-kich-192250324131353765.htm
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