Ministry of Health gives urgent instructions to prevent measles and whooping cough outbreaks

The above content was emphasized by Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan in a document sent to localities on strengthening prevention and control of measles and whooping cough infections in medical examination and treatment facilities.

According to the Ministry of Health, the current situation of measles and whooping cough in some provinces and cities is complicated. To ensure safety and minimize the risk of infection and outbreak of measles and whooping cough in medical examination and treatment facilities, the Ministry of Health requests the Department of Health of provinces and centrally-run cities and health sectors to develop plans to prevent and control measles and whooping cough and implement activities to prevent and control measles and whooping cough in the province, including vaccination activities.

The Departments of Health direct preventive medical units to monitor and promptly detect new cases, investigate and identify the source of infection, organize zoning and handling when there is an outbreak of measles and whooping cough. The Department of Health directs affiliated hospitals to effectively admit measles and whooping cough patients, provide timely treatment, and minimize cases that become severe and die.

Localities must strictly implement regulations on infection control to prevent cross-infection and outbreaks of measles and whooping cough at medical examination and treatment facilities.

For medical examination and treatment facilities under the Ministry of Health and universities, the Ministry of Health requires them to prepare conditions to respond to epidemics, strengthen the unit's epidemic prevention steering committee, and prepare epidemic prevention and response plans according to the levels and scale of the epidemic.

Medical facilities also need to prepare isolation treatment areas or temporary isolation areas for infected patients, suspected cases of measles and whooping cough, depending on the scale and direction of the local government and health management agency. Investigate the epidemic as soon as the first case of measles or whooping cough occurs. Ensure adequate personal protective equipment necessary for medical staff to examine, treat, and directly care for infected or absent cases of measles or whooping cough.