On February 14, representatives from Thu Duc City Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) reported a concerning increase in measles and chickenpox cases following the Lunar New Year, warning of potential outbreaks.
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Uyen Phuong, Head of Pediatrics, shared that in January, the hospital admitted 137 measles cases and 25 chickenpox cases, with 51 children requiring hospitalization. In just the first 10 days of February, there were 13 additional measles cases and 5 chickenpox cases, including 3 hospitalizations.
Dr. Phuong identified two main contributing factors to this trend. First, early-year weather conditions—characterized by cold temperatures and high humidity—create an ideal environment for viruses to thrive. Second, increased travel, family gatherings, and festival participation during the Lunar New Year heightened virus transmission risks within communities.
Dr. Phuong emphasized that measles and chickenpox are highly contagious diseases, especially dangerous for young children due to severe complications. Common measles complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, otitis media, and gastrointestinal infections. Meanwhile, chickenpox can lead to skin infections, encephalitis, and the rare but life-threatening Reye’s syndrome, which affects the brain and liver.
To prevent these diseases effectively, vaccination is key. Current guidelines recommend measles vaccination at 6-9 months (zero dose), followed by the first dose at 9 months and the second at 18 months. For chickenpox, two doses are recommended for children aged 12 months and above.
“Modern vaccines are highly safe and effective, offering up to 97% protection against measles after two doses and over 90% for chickenpox,” Dr. Phuong stated.
In response to the complex epidemic situation, Thu Duc City Hospital has implemented proactive measures, such as setting up isolated areas for measles patients, organizing patient flow, and enhancing protective protocols for healthcare workers. Additionally, the hospital is intensifying vaccination awareness campaigns among caregivers.
Doctors advise parents to watch for symptoms closely. Measles typically presents with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash spreading from the face to the body after 3-4 days. Chickenpox symptoms include fever and fluid-filled blisters appearing across the body.
Preventive measures like wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining personal hygiene, and ensuring proper nutrition are also crucial in combating disease spread.
According to the HCMC Center for Disease Control (HCDC), between February 3 and February 9 (Week 6), the city recorded 361 measles cases, a 7.9% decrease compared to the previous four-week average. The total number of measles cases since the start of the outbreak stands at 6,430. Districts with the highest case numbers include Binh Chanh, Binh Tan, and Thu Duc City.
