Have total measles cases in Mongolia surpassed 4,000?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mongolia reports over 4,000 measles cases.
- 335 new infections recorded in the last 24 hours.
- Vaccination is crucial for preventing outbreaks.
- Children aged 10-14 are most affected.
- Recoveries have reached 2,793.
Ulan Bator, May 30 (NationPress) Mongolia reported an alarming 335 new measles infections in the last 24 hours, raising the national total to 4,274 cases, according to the National Centre for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on Friday.
In a positive development, 114 patients have recovered from the illness, increasing the total recoveries to 2,793, the NCCD noted in a statement.
Medical experts in Mongolia indicate that most of the recent measles infections are among children aged 10-14 who have received only one dose of the measles vaccine, as reported by Xinhua.
The NCCD has urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated with two doses of the measles vaccine to protect them from this potentially serious disease.
The World Health Organization categorizes measles as a highly contagious viral illness spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The virus can easily transmit when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes, leading to severe health complications and even fatalities.
While anyone can contract measles, children are particularly vulnerable.
Measles primarily targets the respiratory system, spreading throughout the body. Symptoms encompass a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.
Individuals who are not immune—whether unvaccinated or vaccinated but without effective immunity—are at risk of infection. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women face the highest chances of severe complications from measles.
Vaccination stands as the most effective method to prevent illness and curb the spread of measles. The vaccine is safe and fortifies the body against the virus.
Prior to the implementation of the measles vaccine in 1963 and broad vaccination campaigns, major outbreaks occurred every two to three years, resulting in approximately 2.6 million deaths annually.
In 2023, it is estimated that 107,500 individuals succumbed to measles, primarily children under five years old, despite the presence of safe and affordable vaccines.
This year, 74% of children received both doses of the measles vaccine, while 83% of children worldwide had one dose by their first birthday.
To ensure full immunity and prevent outbreaks, health authorities recommend administering two doses of the vaccine, as not all children develop immunity from a single dose.