Vietnam has recorded around 40,000 suspected measles cases across all 63 provinces and cities since early 2025, with 3,447 confirmed cases and five deaths, according to Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan.
The highest infection rates have been reported in the southern region (57%), followed by the central region (19.2%), the northern region (15.1%), and the Central Highlands (8.7%).
Highly contagious disease requires urgent action
Hoang Minh Duc, director of the Department of Disease Control, emphasized that measles spreads even faster than COVID-19, with a high risk of cross-infection in hospitals and interprovincial transmission. A single measles patient can infect 12 to 18 others through respiratory droplets, and 90% of unvaccinated individuals are at risk if exposed.
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan speaks at the conference
Outbreaks typically occur in five-year cycles due to the accumulation of susceptible individuals. To control the disease, at least 95% of the population must receive full two-dose vaccination to establish herd immunity and curb transmission.
Measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea, and corneal ulcers, with potentially fatal outcomes, especially for young children and malnourished individuals.
Given the worsening situation, the Minister of Health urged local authorities to closely monitor cases, report outbreaks promptly, and mobilize a multi-sector response. He also called for ensuring sufficient medical supplies and infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas, to contain the disease effectively.
