Measles cases rising in Zhetysu region

The epidemiological situation for measles remains unstable in Zhetysu region with 229 cases confirmed out of 317 registered ones, according to the region’s chief sanitary doctor Askhat Charapiyev, Kazinform News Agency reports.

The chief sanitary doctor says most cases were detected among unvaccinated groups.

Vaccination remains the most affordable and most effective method of controlling infection. Measles vaccines create robust immunity lasting for more than 20 years. As per the National Immunization Calendar, routine vaccination of children against measles is carried out at the age of 12-15 months and at the age of 6. There is no special treatment for measles, but vaccination will help avoid this disease, Askhat Charapiyev says.

He adds that Kazakhstan uses the vaccines certified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The legislation does not force children to be vaccinated, the decision on vaccination is taken by their parents.

Measles is an extremely contagious severe disease caused by a virus which affects human’s central nervous system. Measles remains one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide. The incubation period lasts from 7 to 21 days, the source of the disease is a sick person. The disease is spread through respiratory droplets released into the air by a sick person when talking, coughing or sneezing.