There is a risk of a repeat of the measles epidemic in Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Experts warn of a possible measles epidemic. Vaccination is a key preventive measure.
Currently, there is a real danger of a repeat of the measles epidemic, because according to infectious disease experts, measles is cyclical, and mass diseases usually occur every 5-6 years. In addition, there is an increase in the incidence of measles in neighboring countries. This was reported by UNN with reference to the Kyiv City State Administration.
"There is a danger of a repeat of the measles epidemic. According to the observations of infectious disease specialists, this disease is cyclical, and mass diseases usually occur every 5-6 years," the statement said.
In addition, there has been an increase in measles in neighboring countries. Thus, according to the National Immunization Portal, a measles epidemic has been declared in Romania.
Director of the Kyiv City Health Department Valentyna Ginzburg reminded that in early 2018, the measles incidence rate was growing exponentially every day.
"Children and adults were sick, and most of them had complicated forms that required hospitalization. Do you remember the excitement among the population about vaccination? In the face of real danger, people quickly believed that only vaccination could truly protect them and their loved ones. Then we urgently organized the work of vaccination rooms in two shifts, without holidays and weekends, to quickly vaccinate as many people as possible. And in the first few weeks of 2018, more Kyiv residents were vaccinated than in the whole of 2017," Ginzburg said.
According to her, vaccination is still the only effective means of protection against many infectious diseases, including measles. Moreover, measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Out of 10 unvaccinated people who come into contact with a patient, 9 will get sick. Therefore, the level of immunization directly affects whether or not there will be an epidemic in the country.
"We must understand that the cause of measles outbreaks is unvaccinated children. The disease starts with them, and only then does it spread to adults. So I am addressing parents first of all. Contact your pediatrician or family doctor right now to make sure your child is vaccinated," Ginzburg said.
It is reported that today Kyiv is provided with an effective high-quality vaccine that is stored according to the rules in compliance with all cold chain requirements. Vaccinations are free of charge according to the calendar. No special screening is required before vaccination.
"...the main focus of attention is on children. I appeal to parents, caregivers, and teachers to take this issue under special control. Measles is a very dangerous disease. It is dangerous primarily because of complications and mortality. Vaccinated children are very unlikely to get sick, and if they do, they will suffer a mild illness without consequences for their health and future life," Ginzburg emphasized.
