Measles Outbreak – Protect Your Child!

June 10, 2024 - Recently there have been reports of measles cases in babies and children here in HCMC and in Vietnam.

What is Measles?

Measles is a viral infection that is highly contagious, spreads very quickly, and can cause devastating damage to almost every system in our body:

• Brain: Measles can cause Encephalitis (Severe inflammation of the brain) resulting in severe neurological damage and up to a 10% death rate. One of its rare complications is a condition called SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Pan Encephalitis) which can appear even years after the disease has gone and causes slow progressive destruction of the brain.
• Eyes – Measles is a leading cause of blindness, especially in malnourished children.
• Lungs – Measles can cause severe airway and lung infection, leading to respiratory distress, failure, and death.
• Heart – Measles virus can attack the heart tissue and cause severe inflammation which may result in heart failure and death
• Abdomen: Measles can attack the liver, pancreas, and intestines, resulting in Hepatitis, pancreatitis, Appendicitis, or colitis.
• Blood: Measles can interrupt the normal coagulation process of the blood and may result in severe bleeding.
• Measles during Pregnancy: Measles can cause severe infection in mother and fetus that may result in serious complications to both mother and baby, premature delivery, or fetal death.
• Immune system: A study, published in “Viral Immunology” Journal (Nov 2019) Shows that Measles has profound effect on our immune system as well. Children who became infected with Measles have lost a significant amount of their immunity towards other infections (Including past vaccinations). The measles “wiped out” 11-73% of the immune system “Memory” which put these children at risk of contracting those infections. This effect happened ONLY in unvaccinated children. Those who received the MMR Vaccine did not suffer from this serious effect. Some parents refuse to vaccinate their children, believing that if their child contracts Measles “Naturally” it will strengthen his immune system. This study proves beyond any doubt, that not only Measles can cause devastating complications and death, it severely weakens the immune system as well.

How can I protect my child?

• If your baby is between 6-12 months old, they should receive a single dose of either Measles or MMR vaccine to give him temporary protection until he is 1 year old.
• If your child is over 1 year old – ensure they receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine at least 1 month apart.

For more information and vaccinations, please contact our Pediatric team at FMP clinics.

Dr. Jonathan Halevy - Pediatrician, Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City