VietNamNet Bridge – A rubella outbreak among school children in 11 districts of northern-most Ha Giang Province has showed signs of abating, a doctor said.

"Only 10 cases a day present to the hospital instead of an average 25-30 case daily during the peak days," the provincial General Hospital's Infection Department head Nguyen Van Nghia said.

Most of the cases in the outbreak over the past two months were among high school students aged 12-18, he said. Nghia said the rubella infection, also known as German measles, was uncommon in the province.

Abnormally prolonged cold weather may be one of reasons for the outbreak and spread of the rubella infection, he said.

The safest and most effective way to prevent rubella is by vaccination, he said.

A week ago five students aged 8-11 were taken to the hospital with symptoms of body rash, high temperature, nose mucus and lethargy. After being tested, doctors announced all were infected by the rubella virus.

Rubella can last one to three days. Children recover more quickly than adults.

Infection of the mother during pregnancy is serious as it can cause birth defects including deafness.

The situation has called for urgent measures from local authorities and relevant agencies to prevent the disease spreading and new outbreaks.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News