18 Nov 2024 | 12:12 PM UTC
Vietnam: Elevated measles activity reported in Ho Chi Minh City in November /update 3
Elevated measles activity reported in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in November. Obtain vaccination; use basic health precautions.
Health officials have reported elevated measles activity in Ho Chi Minh City, with an additional 330 cases reported Oct. 28-Nov. 10, bringing the total count to 1,635 cases since Jan. 1. Districts reporting the highest disease activity include Binh Tan District, Binh Chanh District, and Thu Duc City. Amid rising measles cases in children under nine months, Ho Chi Minh City health officials have recommended expanding vaccination to children aged six to nine months. Health authorities also urge mothers of children under 6 months old and their family members to get vaccinated against measles to help protect infants who are too young for vaccination. This report represents the most complete data available as of Nov. 18.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
In 2023, the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage among 1-year-olds in Vietnam was 82 percent, below the WHO-recommended 95 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. Health officials reported 43 measles cases nationwide in Vietnam in 2023, 23 cases in 2022, 162 cases in 2021, and 846 cases in 2020.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and individuals with a weakened immune system.
