SES Discusses Measles Surge in Uzbekistan
Measles Cases Spike in Several European Countries
Measles cases have increased in several European countries, including Austria, Serbia, the UK, and Uzbekistan over the past 12 months. Tajikistan, Turkey, and Russia have recorded the largest number of cases, with 610, 466, and 414 cases, respectively. The United Nations (UN) reports that 17 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region have observed cases of measles since the beginning of this year, with more cases recorded by the end of February than in all of 2022. Despite some countries managing to restore immunization during lulls in COVID-19 outbreaks, others have experienced significant delays to routine immunizations.
Measles is highly contagious, and the WHO has called on all countries to remain vigilant, even those countries where endemic transmission of the disease has been eliminated. WHO spokesman José Agan has recommended that countries take a series of rapid response actions to curb outbreaks, including investigation, vaccination of those who have been in contact with an infected person, infection control in healthcare settings, and awareness campaigns in affected communities.
Although the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund have helped to reduce the number of measles cases in certain regions, immunization gaps still exist. The WHO notes that more efforts are needed to eliminate measles transmission within countries and internationally.
Uzbekistan’s SES Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health reported that it had identified 37 measles patients after conducting epidemiological investigations in the country over the past year. However, the situation is reportedly under control as the country maintains a stable epidemic situation and performs preventive measures against the disease. From November 16 to December 30, 2022, a mass vaccination campaign among children aged six months to five years was conducted. Over 3.3 million children were vaccinated, with vaccinations ongoing.
