Nine cases of measles were recorded in Kosovo in the second week of May among children aged 1 to 5, the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) announced on Wednesday.
The institute announced on Facebook that 4 cases have been reported from Ferizaj; 2 from Shtime and 1 case each in Lipjan, Gracanica and Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje.
All cases involve children unvaccinated with the MMR (measles, rubella, and mumps) vaccine.
"NIKSHPK warns that this is no longer just about imported cases, but about measles cases that have appeared within the community in Kosovo, directly as a result of non-vaccination," the announcement states.
What is measles?
Measles is an infection caused by a virus and, according to the WHO, is one of the most contagious diseases.
It appears as a skin rash - initially with spots on the face and behind the ears, which then spread to the chest and back and finally to the legs.
Other symptoms that accompany measles include: fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and others.
Infection occurs in stages, lasting two to three weeks.
Measles can be prevented by vaccination, but, in certain cases, it can also be a serious or fatal disease.
Earlier this year, the National Institute of Public Health said that it was "not expected" to have any outbreaks of the disease, as the vaccination rate of children against it "is high."
The National Institute of Public Health and Population says that the measles vaccination rate in Kosovo is over 90%.
Vaccination rates with the first dose of the MMR vaccine fell from 96% in 2019 to 93% in 2022 across Europe. Uptake of the second dose, meanwhile, fell from 92% to 91%.
Other facts about measles
Measles vaccination prevented 56 million deaths from 2000 to 2021, according to the WHO.
Measles can affect anyone, but it is most common in children.
Any non-immune person (unvaccinated or vaccinated but not yet immune) can become infected.
Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications from measles.
Complications may include: pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and others./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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