Six countries have lost their "measles-free" status
According to the World Health Organization, Kyrgyzstan ranks first in Eurasia in measles incidence, as reported by Euronews.
The WHO emphasizes that there are 1,167 cases of the disease for every million residents of the republic, and unfortunately, 11 people have died.
Among European Union countries, high incidence rates are observed in Romania, where 222 cases per million have been registered, and in Belgium with 33 cases per million. In most other EU countries, there is a decrease in incidence; however, in countries such as Ukraine, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Georgia, and Israel, as of 2025, the level remains high.
After a serious outbreak in 2024, Austria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan lost their "measles-free" status.
The WHO notes: "Until every country achieves 95% vaccination coverage, eliminating gaps in immune protection among all age groups, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, and ensuring rapid response to outbreaks, this highly contagious virus will continue to spread."
Measles is caused by a virus that is transmitted through the air, that is, through sneezing and coughing. It is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, approximately 12 times more contagious than the flu.
Statistics show that one infected person can infect up to 18 unvaccinated individuals.
Children are usually vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 15 months, receiving the first dose, and then the second dose between the ages of four and six years.
Symptoms of measles, which can last up to seven days, include a runny nose, cough, and red eyes. However, complications can be significantly more serious: they can include breathing problems, including pneumonia, as well as blindness, ear infections, and encephalitis, which can lead to brain damage.
photo www
