March 28, 2025

Vietnam Grapples with Measles Outbreak

HANOI – Vietnam is grappling with a staggering outbreak of measles, reporting more than 42,000 cases and five fatalities since the start of 2025. Despite the alarming statistics, many parents remain oblivious to the serious risks measles poses, particularly for young children.

Heartbreaking Cases

In a heart-wrenching case, Dương Văn Phương's nine-month-old son, nicknamed Bo, developed a cough and fever last week. Initially treated for middle ear inflammation at a local clinic in Hanoi, his condition rapidly deteriorated. After failing to respond to home treatment, the family took him to Saint Paul General Hospital, only to find that all ventilators were occupied. They were forced to transfer Bo to Hanoi Children’s Hospital, where doctors revealed the severity of his condition – a lung had partially collapsed.

Bo's dire situation could have been prevented; he had not been vaccinated, unlike his older sibling who, thanks to vaccination, experienced a mild case of measles and recovered quickly. Unfortunately, Phương and his wife were unaware of a local vaccination campaign, too preoccupied with work to seek out these critical health resources.

Rising Concerns in Hải Phòng City

In Hải Phòng City, another mother, Vũ Thúy Dung, is anxiously caring for her daughter, who has been on ventilation for complications related to measles for two weeks without improvement.

Expert Warnings

Experts emphasize the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventive measures. Dr. Trương Hữu Khánh, a former head of Infectious Diseases at HCM City’s Children’s Hospital 1, stated that measles is a highly contagious viral infection spread through respiratory droplets, manifesting symptoms such as high fever, conjunctivitis, respiratory inflammation, and distinctive rashes. Left untreated, measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially among unvaccinated children.

Dr. Khánh is particularly concerned about the lack of vaccinations, as complications often arise in children without complete measles vaccination. He noted that common misconceptions about measles treatment, such as avoiding wind and water, can exacerbate discomfort and undermine a child's recovery. Instead, he advocates for maintaining proper hydration and nutrition and ensuring children are cared for in well-ventilated spaces.

Vaccination Urgency

Given the current surge in measles cases, health experts are urging all parents to ensure their children, starting from six months of age, receive vaccinations. If there's any doubt regarding a child's vaccination status, parents are encouraged to seek additional doses, as the vaccine poses no risk to health.

Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that children diagnosed with measles do not require vaccination post-infection. For infants under 12 months, who may be at higher risk, supplementary measles vaccination is also available.

Call to Action

With the situation rapidly escalating, experts implore communities to act swiftly and ensure that every child is protected. The health of the nation’s future generations relies on the vigilance and proactive choices of parents today.