Among the infectious diseases likely to emerge or increase during this period are seasonal flu, measles, chickenpox, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease. These are all acute infectious diseases that spread easily, particularly in group settings such as schools and kindergartens. Aware of the risks and rapid transmission of these diseases, educational institutions across the province have partnered closely with the health sector to promote health education among parents and students and have implemented comprehensive sanitation and disease prevention protocols, especially following the “3 clean” principle: Eat (drink) clean, live clean, and keep hands and toys clean.

At Thanh Trường Kindergarten (Điện Biên Phủ city), efforts to protect children’s health during the seasonal transition have been prioritized. Principal Kiều Thanh Huyền shared: “We always prioritize disease prevention in every activity. During the seasonal change, we plan specific actions and inform parents through bulletin boards and class Zalo groups to raise awareness and foster cooperation in caring for the children’s health.”

Awareness and disease prevention skills are required not just for parents but also for teachers. Teachers coordinate with school medical staff to closely monitor each child’s health, recording data in health logs and categorization charts. Any suspected cases are promptly reported for timely handling to prevent spread. “We strive to create an educational environment that is not only friendly but also safe in terms of health, especially during summer when infectious diseases tend to spike,” emphasized Huyền.

According to the provincial Center for Disease Control, more than 1,000 cases of measles, nearly 1,600 flu cases, over 2,600 diarrhea cases, and nearly 430 chickenpox cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year. As the seasonal transition progresses, the risk of outbreaks increases. In response, the health sector has launched various proactive control and prevention measures.

Phạm Đức Tài, Head of the Infectious Disease Prevention Division at the provincial Center for Disease Control, said: “We have asked district-level health centers to provide supplemental vaccinations for individuals who have not received or completed their required doses, especially the measles vaccine. Alongside this, epidemiological surveillance is being continuously conducted to detect cases early, assess risks, and develop appropriate response strategies.”

In addition to bolstering vaccination efforts, the health sector has increased public communication and health education. Key topics such as personal hygiene, clean living environments, food safety, and eating/drinking safely are widely disseminated through neighborhood meetings, flyers, public address systems, training sessions, and community activities. The sector also collaborates with the education sector to provide training and guidance in schools, particularly preschools, on disease prevention practices. Measures include sanitizing classrooms and environments, ensuring clean drinking water and food safety in communal kitchens. Schools are instructed to immediately notify local health authorities upon detecting illness for prompt treatment and containment.

Efforts also include vector control campaigns to eliminate mosquito larvae, the source of dengue transmission. Waste containers and other water-holding objects are regularly removed to prevent mosquito breeding.

Grassroots health workers play a critical role in early detection, patient isolation, and outbreak response to prevent community-wide spread. In healthcare facilities, patient intake and treatment, especially for severe cases, are prioritized to reduce fatalities. Preventing cross-infection, particularly among hand-foot-and-mouth, measles, and other respiratory illnesses, is a top concern. The health sector is also preparing a sufficient supply of medicines, vaccines, testing materials, disinfectants, and medical equipment. Specialized training sessions are being conducted to strengthen the capacity of medical staff, especially those at the frontline of disease detection and management.

Given the rapid weather changes and unpredictable disease patterns, coordinated efforts from the health and education sectors, along with close cooperation from parents and communities, are vital not only to controlling disease but also to safeguarding public health, especially for children. Proactivity, readiness, and persistence in implementing these measures are essential to creating a safe living and learning environment for all.