Vietnam: suspected measles outbreak in Quang Nam province

Vietnamese health authorities have asked local communities in Quang Nam province to enhance prevention and control measures after a suspected measles outbreak in Nam Tra My district. According to the Department of Disease Prevention (DPP), there have been 255 cases of children with fever and rashes in the district between January 25 and March 10. Many of them have been admitted to hospitals for treatment, showing generally a good and rapid recovery. However, two young patients have died. In both cases, families did not allow medical intervention until it was too late. Samples have been collected and sent for analysis by district medical centres, with 19 confirmed positive for the measles virus. The DPP said that the outbreak could go on for some time, because Nam Tra My district is in the mountains and inhabited by ethnic groups. Travel conditions are difficult, and many locals distrust medical help, preferring traditional customs like prayer against illnesses. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the full vaccination of local children against measles. This situation, together with a shortage of vaccines in 2023, created an immunity gap that led to the current outbreak. A new vaccination campaign has been launched this month, with immunizations reaching nearly a 50% rate in the district.
The DPP asked relevant authorities to immediately activate and enhance epidemic prevention measures. Medical units must conduct investigations and verify cases in coordination with local communities. Local medical sectors must organise online training on measles prevention and treatment and urge the Nam Tra My District Medical Centre to increase staff to support commune health stations. On its part, the DPP will provide high-dose Vitamin A supplements to local medical facilities treating patients with measles and suspected measles. It will also work with the Quang Nam Province Department of Health and the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang City to strengthen appropriate disease prevention and control measures.