Namangan Reports 735 Measles Cases Since Beginning of Year
Sharp Increase in Measles Cases in Namangan Region: SanEpid Committee Responds
The Sanitary-Epidemiological Peace and Public Health Committee has confirmed a sharp increase in the number of children infected with measles in Namangan region. Since the beginning of the year, 735 cases of this disease have been recorded in the region, with 255 children under the age of three currently undergoing treatment. This represents a significant surge in comparison to the previous year, during which only 8 cases of measles were observed throughout the entire republic.
According to the committee’s official response, a total of 735 measles cases were confirmed in the laboratory within 10 months of 2023. Currently, 255 children are receiving treatment for measles in Namangan, with 62% of the patients being under 1 year old and 25% aged between 1-3 years. The majority of these patients are being treated at the regional infectious disease hospital, with additional cases at the Beshkapa Children’s Hospital. There are currently 5 and 80 available spare beds in these two facilities, respectively.
The committee has assured that the region has a sufficient supply of diagnostics, reagents, and vaccines. In particular, Namangan has received 9,500 doses of the measles-rubella vaccine, with 1936 children already vaccinated according to epidemiological guidelines. Additionally, there are 310 doses of the measles-rubella vaccine available in the vaccination rooms of local treatment and prevention institutions.
“In November, 3 million doses of measles vaccines were purchased at the expense of the state budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan. These vaccines are intended for the vaccination of children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years who are in contact with a measles patient, as well as those at risk,” the SanEpid Committee stated. These vaccines are currently being distributed to the regions.
According to statistics on the WHO website, a total of 8 cases of measles were registered in Uzbekistan in 2022. The committee’s response underscores the urgent need for increased vaccination efforts and public health measures to address the sharp rise in measles cases in Namangan region.
