Mongolia Reports Over 50 Confirmed Measles Cases
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Synopsis
Mongolia has seen a rise in measles cases, with 24 new infections reported in the last day, bringing the total to 51. The National Centre for Communicable Diseases urges parents to be vigilant for symptoms and seek prompt medical care.
Key Takeaways
- Mongolia has confirmed 51 measles cases.
- 24 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.
- Measles is highly contagious.
- Vaccination is crucial for prevention.
- Vitamin A supplements can mitigate complications.
Ulan Bator, March 17 (NationPress) Mongolia has reported an additional 24 cases of measles in the last 24 hours, escalating the total number of confirmed cases to 51, as stated by the National Centre for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on Monday.
According to local medical professionals, measles is triggered by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with one serotype.
In light of this, the NCCD has urged parents to closely monitor their children for early symptoms of measles and to seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
Measles is an exceptionally contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact.
Typical complications include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes. The disease is preventable through vaccination.
There is no specific treatment for measles; however, most individuals recover within two to three weeks, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
It is highly transmissible when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and it can lead to severe illness, complications, and even fatalities.
Measles can affect anyone but is primarily found in children.
The virus infects the respiratory tract before disseminating throughout the body.
The most effective way to avoid contracting measles or transmitting it to others is through vaccination. The vaccine is safe and empowers your body to combat the virus.
Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, significant outbreaks occurred every two to three years, resulting in approximately 2.6 million deaths annually.
In 2023, an estimated 107,500 people succumbed to measles, mainly children under five, despite the availability of a safe and affordable vaccine.
Measles remains prevalent, particularly in regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The vast majority of measles-related fatalities occur in countries with low per capita incomes or inadequate health care systems that struggle to reach all children with vaccinations.
Every child or adult diagnosed with measles should receive two doses of vitamin A supplements, spaced 24 hours apart. This replenishes low vitamin A levels that can occur even in well-nourished children and may help avert eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplementation may also decrease the number of deaths associated with measles.
