Two more deaths related to measles

According to the Ministry of Health's vaccination expert, due to gaps in measles vaccination combined with the context of global exchange, pathogens have increased and measles outbreaks have occurred in many countries, including Vietnam. Measles has also broken out in countries on the elimination list and is close to achieving the goal of eliminating measles. The reason is that measles spreads very quickly: 1 case of measles infects 12 - 18 people.

90% of children with severe measles have not been vaccinated against measles.

PHOTO: DUY TINH

In Vietnam, according to the measles surveillance report for the week of April 12-17, the number of suspected measles rash cases recorded was 4,122, down 8.8% compared to the previous week (4,519 cases), and 2 measles-related deaths were recorded (one case was being treated for cancer, many underlying diseases; and one case of a child hospitalized late after 3 days).

Since the beginning of 2025, the country has recorded 76,312 suspected measles cases in 63 provinces and cities; of which, 8,614 cases were positive for measles.

Regarding the measles epidemic, the Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health) stated that the age of the disease has begun to change by age group. Compared to the first 3 months of 2025, the group from 1 year old to 10 years old (accounting for 61.4%) has decreased by 6%; the number of cases decreased slightly in the group under 1 year old (currently accounting for 2.7%) by 0.4%. The group of measles patients over 10 years old (accounting for 35.9%) increased by 6.4%. Of which, the group of 11 - 15 years old accounts for 19.2%; the group over 16 years old accounts for 16.7%.

Regarding the measles vaccination campaign, currently 52/54 provinces have achieved a vaccination rate of over 95% (meeting the planned target); 2/54 provinces have a high vaccination rate of 90 - 95%.

The Ministry of Health noted that the measles epidemic has shown signs of abating, but there are still many difficulties in prevention because some localities have not achieved high vaccination rates, due to difficulties in reaching the subjects, especially in remote areas and large urban areas. Some people are still afraid to get vaccinated. In addition, the number of grassroots health workers is still low, causing difficulties for implementation.

The Ministry of Health has directed the Departments of Health to strengthen communication about the epidemic situation and disease prevention recommendations; review children aged 11-15 who have not been vaccinated, have not received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine; children with unknown vaccination history, have never had measles, and wish to receive measles-containing vaccine, clearly stating the number of subjects in high-risk areas for vaccination implementation.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/them-2-ca-tu-vong-lien-quan-benh-soi-18525042117474577.htm