Tragic Measles Outbreak Claims Lives of Two Children in Kyrgyzstan 2024
Two Children with Measles Die in Kyrgyzstan, Health Officials Urge Vaccination
Bishkek – Two children have tragically lost their lives to measles in Kyrgyzstan since the start of the year, according to Gulbara Ishenapysova, the Director of the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis.
The children, both under 12 months old, had not received the measles vaccination due to their young age.
Reports indicate that the number of measles cases in the country continues to rise, with 8,209 cases recorded as of April 17, 2024. Alarmingly, 37.5 percent of these cases involve children whose parents have opted out of vaccinating them.
In the previous year, Kyrgyzstan saw a total of 7,046 measles cases, resulting in nine deaths. Eight of the fatalities were children between 1 and 18 years old, while one was a five-month-old infant.
In response to this concerning trend, the Ministry of Health has been tasked with enhancing preventative measures and ensuring that children receive the necessary vaccinations to protect against measles.
Health officials are urging parents to prioritize their children’s health and follow the recommended immunization schedule to safeguard against potentially deadly diseases like measles. Let us all work together to protect the well-being of our children and prevent further tragedies from occurring.
