On the afternoon of August 29, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) announced that the number of measles cases in the city is still increasing every day.

Specifically, from May 23 to August 26, 2024, the City recorded a total of 410 measles cases. Of which, there were 3 measles-related deaths (including 2 cases from the City and 1 case from the province) who were children with congenital diseases.

HCDC said the number of measles cases is increasing rapidly. Specifically, measles cases in children under 5 years old account for nearly 3/4 (73.2%) and are tending to shift to older age groups.

Notably, patients from the province account for 55.8% of patients treated at the City's hospitals.

Currently, there are 22 districts in the city with measles cases, with 16 districts meeting the conditions to declare an epidemic. The vaccination coverage rate has not reached over 95% due to the Covid-19 pandemic and disruptions in vaccine supply.

In addition, nearly 20% of children in the area have addresses in other provinces, leading to the health station not knowing to invite them for vaccination, which contributes to a decrease in the vaccination coverage rate in the area.

Previously, on August 27, 2024, the City People's Committee issued Decision No. 3547/QD-UBND on the announcement of the epidemic and the Measles epidemic response plan in the City.

To respond to the increasing measles epidemic, HCDC said it is actively preparing vaccine sources to implement the measles vaccination campaign for children; catch-up vaccination for children from 6 to 10 years old, medical staff at risk of contact with people with measles, and medical staff caring for children in high-risk groups.

At the same time, urgently organize measles vaccination for target groups according to the direction of the Ministry of Health and the City People's Committee safely and effectively in the soonest time.

Especially deployed immediately for the group of subjects from 1 to 5 years old before children return to school. It is expected that the health sector will deploy a supplementary measles vaccination campaign from August 31 (Saturday) and organize vaccinations during the National Day holiday of September 2, 2024.

HCDC also requires People's Committees at all levels to actively find and invite children to get vaccinated, not to miss any children, especially immigrant children and children in social protection facilities.

Medical examination and treatment facilities shall report cases according to the infectious disease reporting information regime; PYTs shall closely direct private clinics in the area; Closely monitor and detect measles cases in schools and educational institutions.

At the same time, strengthen surveillance to detect suspected measles cases in the community through a network of community health collaborators.