Measles, a dangerous infectious disease, is causing significant concern within the community. Rapidly spreading and potentially leading to severe complications, the measles outbreak is currently complex, demanding vigilance and timely preventative measures.
Rapid Spread and Severity of the Measles Outbreak
Measles spreads extremely quickly through respiratory transmission. Approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals will contract the disease if exposed to a measles patient. On average, one infected person can transmit the disease to 12-18 others. Only when community immunity reaches at least 95% can the spread of the disease be controlled.
According to statistics, from the beginning of the year, approximately 40,000 suspected measles cases have been reported nationwide, with at least 5 deaths related to the illness. The Southern region reported the highest number of suspected measles cases (57%), followed by the Central region (19%) and the Northern region (15%). The Central Highlands also saw nearly 9% of reported cases.
Measles can cause dangerous complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, diarrhea, corneal dryness and ulceration, encephalitis, and even death. Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
Rapidly spreading measles infection, the Ministry of Health provides 5 prevention recommendations
Risk of Measles Outbreak and Recommendations from the Ministry of Health
Professor Dr. Trần Đắc Phu, former Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine (now the Department of Disease Control – Ministry of Health), emphasized that unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles patients are almost certain to contract the disease. This rapid transmission has been a concern for the public for a long time, as “passing by a measles patient’s bedside could lead to infection”.
History shows that measles outbreaks typically occur every 5 years. Currently, we are in this cycle, making the risk of a measles outbreak in Vietnam very high.
To combat the measles outbreak, the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Health recommends:
- Complete vaccination: Children aged 9 months to 2 years who have not been vaccinated or have not received both doses of the measles vaccine, as well as other age groups (6-9 months, 1-10 years), need to proactively complete vaccination according to the schedule and instructions from the Ministry of Health.
- Avoid contact: Do not allow young children to come into close contact with children suspected of having measles. Wear masks in crowded areas and wash hands frequently with soap when caring for children.
- Maintain hygiene and nutrition: Maintain frequent hygiene of the body, nose, throat, eyes, and mouth for children. Ensure adequate nutrition and keep children warm.
- Environmental hygiene: Nurseries and schools need to maintain cleanliness, ventilation, and adequate lighting. Regularly disinfect toys, learning materials, and classrooms using common disinfectants.
- Seek timely medical care: If any signs of possible measles infection (fever, cough, runny nose, rash) are observed, isolate the child and take them to the nearest medical facility for examination and treatment.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak is complex and poses a threat to public health. Vaccination, adherence to prevention measures, and early detection of suspected cases are crucial for controlling and preventing the spread of measles. Everyone should actively learn about and implement preventive measures to protect their own health and the community’s.
