Measles cases increase in Vietnam

Measles continues to be in the news. This time in Vietnam.

According to news reports, more than 100 cases have been reported in the week to August 11th. This is double the number of cases of the previous month and signals a concern to health authorities. According to the Ho Chi Minh CDC, 23% cases were under 9 months. This is a change from previous patterns where the disease is more likely to be seen in those between 9 months and 5 years. Unfortunately, more severe disease occurs in those under 12 months.

Immunisation programs were severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is likely immunisation rates across the childhood population have dropped below the 95% level needed to interrupt transmission. Health authorities will now target an older age group up to 10 years to catch up on those children who might have been missed.

According to monthly surveillance data provided by WHO, measles outbreaks have been reported in several countries over the last 6 months. These include Iraq, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, India, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Yemen and Nigeria.

Travellers are urged to make sure they are fully vaccinated for measles. Infants between 6 and 12 months should be considered for an early dose of the vaccine and individuals born between 1966 and 1980 should check they have had 2 doses of the vaccine.

Australia was declared free of measles transmission in 2014. Australia does have imported cases.

Fifty-one cases have been notified in the last 12 months (to August 4th, 2024).