Nation steps up fight to control measles outbreak   Officials from the Ministry of Health inspect measles treatment, prevention and control at the Paediatrics Hospital 1 in HCM City. - VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Vy HA NOI (VNS) -  Some 186 new measles cases were reported over the weekend nationwide, according to the Ministry of Health, and more measures are being taken at all levels to combat the outbreak. In Ha Noi, Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien led a delegation to visit measles patients at the Ha Noi-based Saint Paul Hospital, and continued asking all hospitals to set aside separate areas for measles examination and treatment, while strengthening support for hospitals at the local levels to prevent central hospitals from being overloaded. Nguyen Nhat Cam, director of Ha Noi Preventive Medicine Department, said the number of people going to private health centers for vaccinations has increased by 30 per cent over the past few days, noting that public health centers at the commune and ward levels still have enough vaccines to treat their communities. Also, more efforts are being made to raise awareness among the public, especially at the commune and ward levels. Cam said the epidemic has reached its height and would start slowing in the next couple of days, as the capital strives to control the outbreak by the end of this month. Ha Noi reported 1,222 cases of measles since the beginning of this year, accounting for 30 per cent of all cases nationwide. Throughout the country, at least 116 deaths have been recorded due to measles or its complications. One death from measles-linked diseases was recorded in the Central Hospital of Pediatrics in Ha Noi on Saturday. According to the Preventative Medicine Department under the Ministry of Health, vaccinations against measles have also been increased in the last few days. As many as 57.5 percent of unvaccinated children have been given shots during the additional round of the national vaccination campaign, as of Saturday. To help the public fully understand the disease and preventive measures, the Ministry of Health has issued an updated guideline on measles diagnosis and treatment, based on the 2009 regulations. The guideline has been distributed in all cities and provinces across the country, while experienced doctors have been sent to local hospitals to assist them in treating patients. - VNS