Kyrgyzstan registered 9,509 cases of measles, according to the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis. While doctors note a decrease in the number of cases, the situation remains concerning.
The distribution of cases is as follows: 3,300 in Bishkek, 2,244 in the Chui region, 1,442 in the Osh region, 1,262 in Jalal-Abad region, 588 in Osh city, 283 in the Batken region, 167 in the Issyk-Kul region, 112 in Naryn region, and 111 in Talas region.
The Ministry of Health reported that 40% of those who refuse immunization doubt the vaccine's quality, while the rest refuse for religious reasons. Kyrgyz law stipulates that parents can face criminal penalties for failing to seek medical help when a child's health is in danger.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health mandated a strengthened immunization regime across the country and is prioritizing the vaccination of high-contact individuals. The National Immunization Calendar is also under review, with doctors proposing adding another measles vaccine dose at the age of two, in addition to the current doses at one year and six years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccinating children who have been in contact with a measles patient as early as six months of age. The Ministry of Health's clinical guidelines highlight that children aged one to five are most susceptible to the disease.
Kyrgyzstan faced a measles outbreak last year as well. In September 2023, the authorities sought assistance from the WHO. As a result, 755,500 doses of measles and rubella vaccine were delivered to Kyrgyzstan, and 750 temporary vaccination points were opened nationwide.
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