Measles cases in Quảng Ngãi surged dramatically in the first three months of 2025, reaching 60 times the number from the same period last year. The primary cause is determined to be incomplete vaccination rates among many children. This situation demands a strong response from the healthcare sector to halt the spread and safeguard public health.
Measles Outbreak Situation in Quảng Ngãi
In the first three months of 2025, Quảng Ngãi Province reported 174 suspected measles cases, with 120 confirmed cases of measles virus infection. This figure is a significant increase, 60 times higher than the same period in 2024, raising community health concerns.
According to Quảng Ngãi Province Center for Disease Control statistics, over 93% of confirmed measles cases were not fully vaccinated or had incomplete vaccinations. This highlights a deficiency in awareness and action among parents in ensuring their children’s health. Some cases, like Ms. Võ Thị Thúy in Sơn Tịnh district, saw their children hospitalized with measles despite receiving a vaccine in September.
Symptoms and Risks of Measles
Measles is a contagious respiratory illness spread through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with infected individuals. Key symptoms include fever, respiratory tract infection, conjunctivitis, and skin rash.
While most children recover from measles, those with weaker immune systems or underlying conditions like cancer or congenital heart disease face a higher risk of severe complications, even death.
Solutions and Actions by Healthcare Authorities
Facing this alarming situation, the Quảng Ngãi People’s Committee directed the healthcare sector to expedite measles vaccination for children in the province. The Quảng Ngãi healthcare sector is implementing a vaccination campaign for nearly 24,000 children, aiming to complete it before April 3rd. Quảng Ngãi’s Maternal and Child Hospital has set up isolation wards for treating measles patients to prevent cross-infection.
Urgent Call for Action
Vaccination is the most effective measles prevention measure. Parents should proactively have their children fully vaccinated according to schedule, contributing to community health protection. Close collaboration between families, schools, and healthcare agencies is critical to stopping this disease outbreak. Let’s work together to safeguard public health.
