Vietnamese health authorities have urged stronger measures to control a measles epidemic that has infected nearly 39,000 people and caused five deaths since the beginning of the year, with the southern region being the most affected.

A total of 38,807 suspected measles cases have been recorded nationwide, the Ministry of Health reported during a national online conference in Hanoi on Saturday.

Among these cases, 3,447 have been laboratory-confirmed across 61 provinces and cities, marking an increase of 111 cases compared to the same period last year.

The five reported fatalities occurred in Ho Chi Minh City, and the provinces of Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Binh Phuoc, all located in the southern region.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan highlighted that the southern region accounts for 57 percent of the total suspected cases, followed by the central region at 19.2 percent, the northern region at 15.1 percent, and the Central Highlands at 8.7 percent.

Several southern localities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Lieu, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ca Mau, have reported high numbers of suspected cases, ranging from over 1,000 to more than 4,000.

However, the health ministry noted that the spread of the epidemic in these areas has gradually been brought under control.

Measles spreads through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious, with 90 percent of non-immune individuals at risk upon close contact with an infected person. One measles patient can infect 12-18 others. 

Symptoms begin 10-14 days after exposure and include a runny nose, cough, red eyes, watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks. Rashes appear 7-18 days after exposure, starting on the face and neck before spreading.

The disease can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, diarrhea, corneal ulcers, and encephalitis. These complications are particularly severe in young children and those suffering from malnutrition.

The ongoing seasonal transition and unpredictable weather patterns also create favorable conditions for the pathogen to spread.

Hoang Minh Duc, director of the ministry’s Department of Preventive Medicine, said the high transmissibility of measles allows it to spread rapidly among unvaccinated individuals.

Immunization gaps have emerged due to the accumulation of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals over the years, weakening community protection.

Measles infections in infants are also a concern, with about 20 percent of the cases occurring in children under nine months old, who are not yet eligible for vaccination. 

Additionally, low vaccination coverage has led to insufficient community immunity. Vaccine hesitancy has further complicated efforts, particularly in major urban areas, where some individuals neglect or resist timely vaccinations.

The department urged the public to ensure timely vaccination for children in accordance with ministry guidelines and to seek medical attention if children exhibit a high fever or suspected measles symptoms.

To stop transmission, a herd immunity rate of at least 95 percent is needed, Duc said.

Phan Trong Lan, director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, emphasized the need to enhance herd immunity through measles vaccination.

He noted that all localities should take the initiative in purchasing vaccines to ensure successful immunization efforts.

In response to the outbreak, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday issued a directive calling for the rapid rollout of a measles vaccination campaign and ensuring an adequate vaccine supply.

To contain the epidemic and prevent further spread, he instructed the health ministry to assist local authorities in accelerating the campaign, which must be completed by March 31.

According to the health ministry, Vietnam recorded 45,758 suspected measles cases in 2024, including 7,583 confirmed infections and 18 deaths.

The outbreak was most severe in the southern region, which accounted for 66.6 percent of the suspected cases, followed by the central and northern regions.

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