Situation report of Measles under Measles Elimination Program, Thailand, 2024

Abstract

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In 2024, the measles outbreak in Thailand escalated, with a total of 4,338 confirmed cases and 11 deaths. Cases began rising significantly in February, peaking between August and October 2024. Most patients were children under five years old, residing in the four southern border provinces: Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. Outbreaks were commonly reported in schools and communities. Additionally, cases and outbreaks were also reported nationwide. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most patients had not received the measles vaccine or had not completed the required doses. Data from the Health Data Center, MOPH, show that coverage of the second dose of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR2) remained below the standard threshold in many areas, contributing to the continued spread of measles. Healthcare facilities should strengthen measles surveillance, accelerate vaccination among target groups to increase vaccine coverage, and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment following clinical practice guidelines for measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome. These measures aim to prevent severe illness and control the spread of measles. If suspected measles cases or outbreaks are identified, health officials should conduct epidemiological investigations, collect samples for laboratory confirmation, and report the cases in the national measles elimination database.