Measles Outbreak Spreads Like Wildfire: 3 Southern Provinces Hit Hard, Vaccination Rates Lag at 50%
“Measles” Outbreak in 3 Southern Border Provinces: 5 Deaths and 2,300 Confirmed Cases
“Measles” Outbreak in 3 Southern Border Provinces: 5 Deaths and 2,300 Confirmed Cases
According to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, the measles outbreak in the 3 southern border provinces is a pressing concern. In the past month, 5 people have died, including 3 children under 15 years old and 2 adults. The cumulative number of patients from January 1 to September 2, 2024, stands at 4,408, with 2,371 confirmed cases of measles and 371 cases of pneumonia.
The vaccination coverage rate in these provinces is alarmingly low, at 40-50%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 80-90%. This has resulted in a high risk of disease transmission, with 1 person infecting up to 50 others.
Measles is a preventable disease through vaccination. However, the low vaccination rate in the 3 southern border provinces has led to a high risk of outbreaks. Dr. Thongchai emphasized the need to accelerate vaccination efforts, particularly among kindergarten children and students in grades 1-6, before the school break.
“We need to speed up the mobilization to vaccinate children against measles and students in grades 1-6 before the school break. If we do not take action, the epidemic will spread further,” Dr. Thongchai warned.
Measles outbreaks typically occur between July and September, and the current situation is critical. With a vaccination rate of only 50%, the risk of infection is high, and the disease can spread rapidly.
Dr. Thongchai attributed the low vaccination rate in the 3 southern border provinces to misconceptions about vaccination, rather than religious restrictions. He emphasized the importance of educating the public about the benefits of vaccination and addressing concerns about vaccine safety.
Dr. Woraya Lueang-on, director of the general division of communicable diseases, highlighted the importance of completing the full course of measles vaccination, which consists of two doses. She emphasized that a single dose of the vaccine is not sufficient to provide adequate protection against the disease.
“To effectively prevent measles, two vaccine injections must be completed, and vaccination coverage must exceed 95%. Otherwise, there will still be people at risk of infection, and the disease will continue to spread,” Dr. Woraya warned.
Measles and German measles are highly contagious diseases that can spread through the respiratory system or through contact with patient secretions. Immunization with the vaccine is the most effective protection against these diseases, particularly among young children and those with comorbidities.