Number of suspected cases of measles increases in Moldova

Chisinau, 29 August /MOLDPRES/ – There were recorded over 70 suspected cases of measles in Moldova, by 8 more than in 2015. Another 140 cases of measles have been confirmed in August.

According to the National Agency for Public Healthcare's information and media communication service, there are registered suspicious and confirmed cases in Ceadar – Lunga, Vulcanesti, Ungheni, Taraclia, Cahul, Hancesti and Cantemir districts.

At present, the suspicious cases are under investigation. Also, the measles patients are isolated and under the supervision of doctors.

The Orange Code of measles is maintained throughout Moldova. Thus, until the start of the new school year, all children are to be vaccinated. Likewise, students which are not vaccinated will not be admitted to educational institutions.

Since the beginning of 2018, there have been 171 confirmed cases of measles. In August, the number of cases has increased significantly. Within recent ten years, the rate of immunisation in Moldova was 95 per cent, and now it is up to 87 per cent. The measles outbreaks also exist in neighbouring Ukraine and Romania.

The epidemiologists remind the population that measles is a highly contagious disease and is spreading rapidly. The disease is transmitted from one person to another throughout air with drops following sneezing, coughing and contact with infected person. The first sign of infection is high fever, which lasts for 01 – 07 days. The generalised eruptions occur 03 – 04 days after the fever onset. The pneumonia is the most common cause of death in measles.

The measles can be prevented only by vaccination. In Moldova, the vaccinations are carried out with combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (ROR) at 01 year, 06 – 07 years old, and 14 – 15 years of age. The vaccination is free for all eligible persons.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Raileanu)