Pa Tần commune reported the first cases of measles, with a total of 118 cases. Lò Văn Thân, Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee, shared: “To prevent and control the measles outbreak, we instructed the commune’s clinic to assign personnel to be on duty 24/7 at village checkpoints for treatment, vaccination, and disinfection. We also organized awareness campaigns and encouraged households with infected individuals not to leave home, while guiding residents on prevention methods to minimize the risk and prevent the disease from spreading to other areas. Thanks to these efforts, the commune now has only one active measles case under treatment, and 94.6% of children aged 1-10 have been vaccinated against measles.”

Vừ Thị Mò, a resident of Huổi Khương village, shared: “When I heard about the measles outbreak, I took the initiative to get my child vaccinated. The health station staff were very helpful and gave clear instructions, which made me feel reassured.”

Lê Quang Điện, Director of the Nậm Pồ district’s Medical Center, explained that measles is a Group B infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It commonly affects children under 5 but can also infect unvaccinated or under-vaccinated adults. There is currently no specific treatment for measles, and it spreads very easily. Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, speaking, or through direct contact with nasal and throat secretions. Typical symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash. Measles complications can be severe or even fatal, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.

As of March 25, 2025, Nậm Pồ district had recorded 185 measles cases, mainly in the communes of Pa Tần, Nậm Tin, Nậm Nhừ, Nà Hỳ, and Na Cô Sa. To control the outbreak, the district People’s Committee directed local authorities to implement disease prevention measures, ensure early detection, closely monitor suspected cases for timely isolation, treatment, and containment to prevent widespread transmission. Medical facilities have prepared isolation areas, medicines, supplies, equipment, and staff to enhance treatment for measles and rash-related cases. Mild cases are treated locally, while severe cases, particularly those with pneumonia, are transferred to the district’s Medical Center for isolation and care.

The center has established a dedicated isolation and treatment unit at the Ba Chà Civil-Military Clinic, with a capacity of around 50 beds (30 at the clinic and 20 at Chà Cang commune’s clinic). All medical staff from both facilities have been mobilized, and additional doctors from the district’s Medical Center have been deployed to ensure thorough patient care and treatment.

Nậm Pồ district is also focusing on raising public awareness about the risks of measles, preventive measures, and the benefits of vaccination. Residents are advised to practice good hygiene, boost children’s immunity through proper nutrition, keep children away from suspected cases, and wash hands regularly when caring for them. The district People’s Committee has instructed the district’s Medical Center, departments, related units, and commune authorities to accelerate the vaccination campaign, aiming to increase community immunity against measles and rubella, reduce infection and mortality rates.

Vaccination sites are being arranged to meet official standards, including schools, commune health stations, and mobile sites. Each site must have at least two healthcare workers trained in immunization. Nậm Pồ district aims to vaccinate over 95% of children aged 6 months to 10 years with one dose of a measles-containing vaccine. Children aged 1-5 who haven’t received the full dosage will be given catch-up vaccinations.

Alongside the strong efforts of local authorities and especially the healthcare sector, each citizen and household must raise their awareness and take responsibility in disease prevention by actively and properly participating in measles vaccination to protect themselves and the community.