Measles hospitalizations on the rise throughout Kazakhstan

Kazakh Healthcare Minister Azhar Giniyat told journalists about the measles epidemiological situation across Kazakhstan, Kazinform News Agency reports.

As of today, the situation in seven regions, including the city of Almaty, is unstable amid surging cases. The most infected are children under 5 years old and babies under 12 months old. The babies are admitted to the hospitals as the goal is to prevent any lethal cases and measles complications.

As of now, the bed occupancy across Kazakhstan stands at 52%.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease. The minister added unvaccinated people, and kids are responsible for a surge in measles cases.

The situation is taken under control. Additional mass vaccination against measles, rubella, and mumps rolled out across Kazakhstan since November 6. Children who have not been vaccinated before against measles should receive the first dose.

As earlier reported, 17,000 measles cases have been recorded in Kazakhstan since the beginning of the year. 82% of which fall on children.

The minister stressed the only way to prevent measles and its complications is vaccination.