Almost 11,000 cases of measles were recorded in Kyrgyzstan in 5M24, the Ministry of Health reports. The highest number of cases were registered in Bishkek (3,825), Chui region (2,609), and Osh region (1,542). An analysis of the age distribution of measles cases reveals a significant proportion among children: 36% of cases were in the 1-4 age group, 31% in the under 1-year group, and 16% in the 5-9 age group.
In response to the measles outbreak, the Ministry of Health initiated the next stage of an additional immunization campaign. It began in the Talas and Issyk-Kul regions on June 10, followed by the Batken and Naryn regions on June 13.
Citizens are being vaccinated with the rubella measles vaccine, with funds for the campaign allocated by the Outbreak Response Fund within the Measles and Rubella Initiative. Despite a decrease in new measles cases m/m, the virus remains active.
The primary cause of incidence is the large number of refusals of routine immunization against measles and rubella among children and adults. 40% of those who refuse immunization do so due to doubts about the vaccine's quality, while the remainder refuse for religious reasons. Under Kyrgyz law, parents can face criminal penalties for failing to seek medical help when a child's health is in danger.
All children aged from 9 months to 7 years inclusive are subject to vaccination, except for those who received two doses of the measles vaccine during routine and catch-up immunization. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccinating children who have been in contact with a measles patient as early as six months of age.
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