Measles Outbreak in Odesa: Urgent Vaccination Needed to Combat Spread

An outbreak of measles has been recorded in Izmail district of Odesa region - the disease has been confirmed in three children. They have been hospitalized.

This was reported by the Odesa Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to doctors, they have established control over people who have been in contact with the infected to prevent further spread of the virus.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world - the virus can remain active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours even after an infected person leaves the room. In addition, the disease can cause severe complications and the so-called "immune amnesia" - a condition where the body loses the ability to effectively fight off other infections.

Since the beginning of 2024, 433 cases of measles have been registered in Ukraine, 365 of them among children. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. At the same time, 41 cases have already been confirmed in Odesa region, 25 of which are children.

According to the Center, only 15.6% of children received the required vaccination at the age of one, and 26.6% at the age of six. The main reasons for refusals are parents' religious beliefs and unreasonable postponement of vaccination.

The previous large-scale measles outbreak in Ukraine in 2017-2019 resulted in the deaths of 25 children and 16 adults. Today, the situation is under control, but the risk of infection remains high due to insufficient immunization rates. Doctors urge parents not to ignore vaccination, as it is the only reliable way to protect against the dangerous disease.

The school and 144 classrooms in other schools in Odesa were quarantined due to students contracting influenza and acute respiratory infections.

On February 4, schools and kindergartens in Chornomorsk, Odesa Oblast, were quarantined due to the increase in the incidence of influenza and ARVI. The decision was made by the Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergency Situations of the Chornomorsk community.

Ірина Глухова