Hanoi has reported a significant rise in measles cases, with the latest data revealing 212 new infections across 30 districts from April 4 to April 11, 2025. This alarming trend, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals, especially those over six years old, has prompted health officials to predict a continued increase in cases.
According to the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC), the cumulative total of measles cases for the year has reached 1,665, with one reported death, marking a notable increase compared to the same period in 2024, which saw no fatalities. The age distribution of the patients shows that 12.1% are under six months, 15.2% are between six and eight months, 9.7% are from nine to eleven months, 22.1% are aged one to five years, 14.3% are between six and ten years, and a concerning 26.6% are over ten years old.
In addition to measles, Hanoi has also recorded 191 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease within the same week across 26 districts and 108 communes. The cumulative total for this disease in 2025 stands at 976 cases, with no deaths reported. This reflects an increase from the same period last year, which had 585 cases.
Specific districts have been particularly affected by these outbreaks. For instance, Nam Tu Liem reported 46 cases of measles, followed by Long Bien with 17, and Hoang Mai with 16. The CDC is focusing efforts on these areas to enhance vaccination campaigns and disease monitoring.
As part of the response strategy, the District Health Centers in Hanoi are set to ramp up measles vaccinations targeting children eligible for the vaccination campaign, particularly those aged six to under nine months and children aged one to ten who have not received the required two doses of the measles vaccine. The CDC has emphasized the importance of ensuring that children are fully vaccinated to prevent further outbreaks.
Furthermore, the health authorities are intensifying surveillance for hand, foot, and mouth disease in the community, especially in kindergartens and preschools where outbreaks have occurred. Measures will include thorough environmental sanitation and disinfection as per health regulations.
Coordination between the Health and Education sectors is also being strengthened to monitor and manage cases of measles and hand, foot, and mouth disease in schools. This includes implementing vaccination programs within schools and ensuring that parents are informed about the importance of keeping their children’s vaccinations up to date. In instances where measles cases are reported in schools, immediate reviews of vaccination statuses will be conducted to ensure timely vaccinations for unvaccinated children.
In addition to these diseases, the CDC reported two cases of dengue fever in the same week, with a cumulative total of 207 cases for 2025, also with no fatalities. This marks a decrease in dengue cases compared to the previous year.
Another concern for health officials is the first recorded case of meningococcal disease in 2025, involving a three-month-old boy from Thanh Xuan district who had not been vaccinated. The child exhibited symptoms of high fever and was admitted to the National Hospital of Pediatrics, where tests confirmed the presence of meningococcal bacteria. Fortunately, his condition is now stable.
Moreover, four cases of adult tetanus have been reported across various districts, with no deaths, bringing the total for 2025 to nine cases, which is an increase from the previous year.
While other diseases, such as pertussis and Japanese encephalitis, have not been reported in the last week, the CDC remains vigilant. The organization has been actively collaborating with local health units to monitor and control outbreaks of measles and hand, foot, and mouth disease, particularly in areas like Dai Mo and Giang Bien.
Looking ahead, the Hanoi CDC plans to continue inspections and data management related to patient statistics and disease outbreaks across various districts, including Hoan Kiem, Quoc Oai, and Nam Tu Liem. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of these infectious diseases and protect public health.
As the situation evolves, health officials are urging the community to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking vaccinations and adhering to health guidelines to combat the rising tide of these illnesses. The importance of immunization cannot be overstated, especially in light of the current public health challenges.
