Today : May 07, 2025
Health
06 May 2025

Hanoi Sees Rise In Measles And Hand Foot Mouth Cases

The CDC reports significant increases in measles and hand, foot, and mouth disease cases, urging vaccinations.

In the week spanning from April 25 to May 1, 2025, the disease situation in Hanoi has shown several notable developments, as reported by the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC Hanoi). Among the most concerning trends is the continued rise in measles cases, with a total of 191 recorded across 30 districts, towns, and cities, a decrease of seven cases from the previous week. Fortunately, there were no reported deaths during this timeframe.

Particularly high numbers of measles cases were concentrated in several localities, including Nam Tu Liem with 29 cases, Hoang Mai with 23, Ha Dong with 18, Dong Da with 14, Ba Vi with 12, and Thuong Tin with 11. Since the beginning of the year, the city has reported a cumulative total of 2,265 measles cases, including one fatality. The majority of these patients belong to groups that have either not been vaccinated or have not received full vaccinations, with a noticeable increase in cases among individuals over the age of 10.

In addition to measles, hand, foot, and mouth disease has also been on the rise, with 313 cases recorded in the past week—a rise of 23 cases compared to the previous week. This disease predominantly affects children under three years old, who account for 95% of the cases. The areas most affected include Ha Dong with 60 cases, Nam Tu Liem with 37, Quoc Oai with 29, and Thanh Tri with 17. The CDC has noted that there are ongoing sporadic cases and some outbreaks in kindergartens and the community, leading to predictions that the number of cases may continue to climb.

Furthermore, the CDC reported 12 cases of dengue fever during the same week, an increase of one case from the previous week. The cumulative total for dengue fever in 2025 stands at 235 cases, a significant decrease compared to the same period in 2024 when there were 603 cases. Fortunately, no new outbreaks were reported in the past week.

Alongside these diseases, the city also recorded one case of adult tetanus in Phu Xuyen, involving a 37-year-old male with a wound on his heel, and one case of Rubella in Tay Ho, concerning a 7-month-old baby girl who had not been vaccinated. Other diseases, including whooping cough, meningococcal disease, Japanese encephalitis, and streptococcus, were not reported during this week.

In response to these rising health concerns, the CDC Hanoi is actively coordinating with various units to monitor existing outbreaks, such as dengue fever in Dong Da, Dan Phuong, Hoang Mai, and Ha Dong, as well as rabies in Me Linh and Soc Son. Medical centers have been instructed to review and organize measles vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 10 years and to prepare vaccination plans for those aged 11-15 in high-risk areas that have not been fully vaccinated.

Moreover, the CDC is closely monitoring hand, foot, and mouth disease in the community and schools, ensuring that outbreaks are promptly addressed. In collaboration with the education sector, the health authorities are reviewing vaccination statuses in schools and encouraging parents to ensure their children receive all necessary vaccinations, especially following the recent measles cases reported within educational institutions.

The CDC has also urged districts to proactively develop plans to prevent and control dengue fever ahead of the upcoming epidemic season. This includes close monitoring within communities and timely investigation and handling of any suspected cases to prevent the spread of disease.

To further combat these health threats, the CDC is directing units to conduct testing on 100% of suspected measles cases, while also enhancing communication regarding the prevention of infectious diseases, particularly measles, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and dengue fever. Residents are being urged to take proactive measures to ensure they are fully vaccinated and adhere to vaccination schedules.

As these health concerns continue to evolve, the CDC remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard public health in Hanoi. The organization emphasizes the importance of vaccination and community engagement in combating these infectious diseases.

As the city grapples with these outbreaks, the collaboration between health and education sectors is crucial in ensuring that children are protected through vaccinations and that any cases of disease are swiftly managed to prevent wider outbreaks.