Rate of measles in Ukraine is rising again: 35K cases reported year-to-date

After several weeks of falling, the rate of measles in Ukraine is rising again, the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine said today.

During the 13th week of 2019, 2,254 people – 1,133 adults and 1,141 children – contracted measles. During March 22-28, areas with the most registered cases include Kyiv (260 patients: 139 adults and 121 children), Kiev (200: 123 adults and 77 children), Khmelnytsky (177: 93 adults and 84 children), Lviv (165: 48 adults and 117 children) and Kharkiv (160: 91 adults and 69 children) areas.

Since the beginning of the year, 35,002 people – 15 886 adults and 19 116 children – became ill with measles, including 14 fatalities.

Tomorrow, April 2, local authorities will meet with Khmelnytsky Regional State Administration and Minister of Health, Dr. Ulyana Suprun and Director General of the Center for Public Health, Dr. Volodymyr Kurpita, to discuss emergency measures against measles in the region. The goal is to increase the level of vaccination coverage in order to protect the inhabitants of the area from measles.

For reliable protection from illness, all children must receive both the first and second dose of measles vaccine in a timely manner.