Measles hospitalization in children increases due to subjectivity and un vaccination
We were present at Vinh Long General Hospital and recorded many children under 6 years old being treated for measles. Most of these cases stem from parents' subjectivity when their children have just developed an illness and have not been fully vaccinated.
Ms. Tran Ngoc Suong (residing in Cai Be district, Tien Giang province) said that her 6-year-old daughter, who is in first grade, had a fever for more than 12 days. The family only took the child to a private clinic and bought medicine to treat at home.
After 4 days of taking the medicine, the baby's fever not only did not subside but also became more serious, the frequency of fever increased with symptoms of continuous cough deprivation. At this time, the family rushed to take the child to Vinh Long General Hospital and was diagnosed with measles.
According to Ms. Suong, her main job is selling breakfast at the commune market, earning more than 500,000 VND per day. Therefore, when her child showed signs of illness, she only took her child to a clinic near her home because she was worried that hospitalization would take her many days off from selling, affecting the family's income.
"Currently, my child is much better and is about to be discharged from the hospital, but I myself feel extremely regretful and regretful. It was only because of my lack of understanding and subjectivity that I had to endure such tiring and difficult days," Ms. Suong added.
Having a 4-year-old daughter hospitalized for measles treatment for more than 10 days, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao (Vinh Long City) said that in her daughter's class, there was also a child who had just been confirmed to have measles. In addition, the baby's biological sister had just been treated for measles and discharged from the hospital in less than a week.
"Due to lack of care and not being vaccinated, combined with the risk of infection from classrooms and relatives, the child had to be hospitalized," Ms. Thao added.
Parents proactively vaccinate their children with 2 doses of measles vaccine
According to data from Vinh Long General Hospital, as of April 7, the hospital has received and treated 327 cases of measles, a sudden increase of 326 cases compared to the same period in 2024.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Dr. Tran Chi Cong - Deputy Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Vinh Long General Hospital - said that the measles situation in the province has been complicated since the beginning of the year. On average, the Department of Pediatrics receives about 45 children with measles treated each month, notably, most of them have not been vaccinated against measles.
Doctor Cong noted that children under 9 months old are susceptible to serious complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Meanwhile, older children who have been vaccinated with a measles vaccine often have a history of better health.
Explaining this situation, the doctor said that 2025 is in a 5-year recurring measles epidemic cycle. In addition, the vaccine coverage rate is not high, and there has not been a solid community immunity created, causing measles to increase significantly compared to the same period.
"Parents with children aged 9 months to 2 years should proactively get vaccinated with 2 doses of measles vaccine on schedule, avoid contact with people suspected of having the disease, and wash their hands regularly. Fever, cough, runny nose, rashes need to be quarantined and taken to the hospital early," Dr. Cong recommended.
