Minister warns against recurrent measles outbreak
(VOV) - Although the infectious disease is showing signs of waning, it is likely to break out again during the upcoming long holiday, Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien has warned.
Vietnam will celebrate National Liberation Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) in a couple of days, and according to a Prime Minister decision people will have five days off work, starting on April 30.
Many outdoor celebrations will take place on this occasion that normally attracts crowds of holiday-makers, making it easier for measles virus to spread from human to human, Tien said.
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| Vaccination is the most effective remedy for measles |
Those who are suspected of contracting measles are advised not to go to parks or swimming pools to prevent the virus attacking healthy people in the community.
Tien said her ministry is mobilising all resources to keep measles under control and minimise the number of deaths.
The ministry is purchasing an additional 1.2 million doses of measles vaccine, and vaccination is compulsory for children under 10 years old.
A representative of the Hanoi Department of Health reported that 97% of local children have been vaccinated against measles.
The Ministry of Health has assigned the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), in collaboration with the Central Paediatrics Hospital and other relevant institutes, to conduct a national-level research project on measles and treatment in Vietnam.