Kosovo's measles increase, 163 people called for help

While so far, 163 fruit cases have been reported among children who have not been vaccinated. Meanwhile, two people have already passed away from measles.

And the extent to this epidemic has been to the National Public Health Institute. The latter has shown how this disease spreads.

Total notification of IKShP: 

In early September 2017, 44 fruit cases were reported in Kosovo. By October 19, 163 fruit cases have been reported among children who have not been vaccinated.

Fruit is a very contagious and serious disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread through direct contact and through air and can spread especially quickly where the inclusion of routine vaccines has been consistently below 95%, allowing the gradual accumulate of vulnerable individuals. The disease can be deadly, especially in children and adults with other existing diseases and compromised immune systems.

Kosovo has a high level of immunization that has been maintained through inclusion with a routine inoculation of 95% with two doses of anti-Melesh vaccine. With the exception of populations hard to reach, according to MICS 2015, only 3 out of 10 Roma children, Ashkali and Egypt are completely immune. This situation has gradually created in some countries some children who are not covered or attained by routine vaccines.

National Institute of Public Health based on international testimony and guides from O The BSH has developed an operational plan and is taking necessary measures and actions in co-operation with municipal doctors and nurses to save lives, control the constant state of measles, and prevent new measles.

ICHEPs since the first case of the measles have intensified the vaccination activities with the MMR vaccine mainly in the measles-related population, but also the entire population in all countries reporting measles.

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, a meeting was held by the National Public Health Institute, U n NICEF and WHO to review the current status of the programme's response to the ongoing situation. To that end, I The KSHP is taking necessary measures and actions in co-operation with doctors and nurses in primary care in municipalities, to save lives, to maintain the constant state of measles and to prevent new measles.

IK KPS will continue to co-operate with U NICEF and O O recommendations to O BSH to improve the communication plan and social mobilization activities to address misunderstandings and raise awareness in families, communities and the public to reinforce the child's routine immunization of vulnerable families. That is why the vaccination teams are committed to vaccinating home children and expanding the routine vaccination of children in health institutions, especially for Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian families. Moreover, I The KSHPK is also pleased with the positive response of parents and families, and if this moment is maintained, the rate of communication will be progressively improved.