VietNamNet Bridge – One measles-related death was reported last Saturday, bringing the total fatalities caused either directly or indirectly by the latest outbreak of the disease to 133, according to the Ministry of Health.

An additional 52 measles cases were reported nationwide during the course of the day, raising the total number of sufferers this year to 3,982.— Photo soha

An additional 52 measles cases were reported nationwide during the course of the day, raising the total number of sufferers this year to 3,982.

Most of the patients are being treated at Bach Mai Hospital, the National Hospital of Paediatrics and the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

The Ministry's Preventive Medicine Department said a nationwide campaign had helped increase the vaccination rate to 85.2 per cent, with 18 cities and provinces achieving rates of more than 95 per cent.

Forty other localities have brought the rate up to between 75-90 per cent, while the remaining five reported rates ranging from 60-70 percent.

The health sector is continuing to administer measles vaccinations in all provinces and cities across the country, especially those that have not reached the set target.

Earlier last Saturday, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Viet Tien led a delegation to the northern port city of Hai Phong to inspect the locality's efforts to fight measles.

A municipal Health Department report showed that as of May 2, there had been 366 measles cases reported in the city.

According to director of the department, Phan Trong Khanh, local authorities were using all available resources to contain the spread of the disease.

The Health Ministry is organising more campaigns nation-wide to raise public awareness of the disease. It has also started a programme to give free measles vaccinations to children from 2 to 10 years old in high risk areas.

The vaccination campaign will run from May to July.

Source: VNS