Measles in Vietnam
21 Jan 2014
The media has reported on an outbreak of measles in Vietnam. The first cases occurred in December 2013, and up to 80% of cases are reported in Ho Chi Minh City. One children's hospital has admitted more than 100 suspected measles cases for treatment and on 20 January 2014, admitted 24 infants with suspected measles. It has been 5 years since the hospital admitted any measles cases. Sixty five suspected measles cases have been admitted to the Tropical Disease Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City since December 2013.
Most of the children affected had not been immunised against measles and parents are being urged to attend with their children for vaccination.
(Via Saigon GP - accessed 21/01/14)
Advice for Travellers
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.