Urgent Action Required: Hospitals Ordered to Enhance Measles Control as Cases Soar

In a proactive move to combat the alarming rise in measles cases, the Ministry of Health is mandating hospitals to implement a comprehensive strategy for managing measles infections. This initiative focuses on enhancing triage, screening, admission, isolation, and treatment processes specific to measles patients.

Hospitals are required to establish specialized triage systems and create distinct examination areas for individuals suspected of measles or confirmed cases. In addition, dedicated isolation and treatment units must be set up in departments dealing with infectious diseases, pediatrics, or specially designated clinical areas, ensuring that proper isolation protocols are strictly followed. These measures aim to prevent cross-infection and safeguard both patients and healthcare workers.

Visitor access to healthcare facilities will be limited to further reduce the risk of disease transmission within hospitals and the wider community. These steps come in response to a staggering report of over 42,500 suspected measles cases nationwide during the first three months of the year, alongside numerous fatalities linked to the illness. Disturbingly, children aged between 9 months and 15 years represent a significant 72.7% of these cases.

The National Children's Hospital in Hanoi reported that, since the beginning of 2025, more than 2,700 children have been hospitalized for measles, a number that has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Tragically, within these hospitalized cases, there have been 13 recorded deaths.

Meanwhile, Bach Mai Hospital has reported treating over 100 measles patients aged 30 to 65, several of whom have presented severe symptoms requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and the use of an artificial heart-lung machine (ECMO).

As measles continues to spread, experts urge the public to prioritize vaccinations to protect themselves and their families. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, poses significant health risks, especially for younger children and those with weakened immune systems. It is crucial for all eligible individuals to ensure they're up-to-date on immunizations to help contain this outbreak and prevent further tragedies.

Stay informed and take action; your health could depend on it!