As of now, Kyrgyzstan has reported a total of 6,081 cases of measles since the beginning of the year, according to Gulbara Ishenapysova, the director of the Republican Immunoprophylaxis Center. This outbreak follows a total of 7,046 cases registered in 2023.
Ishenapysova highlighted that due to the seasonal nature of the disease, the increase is seen during the autumn-winter period, making the start of the year particularly challenging.
In response to a government directive, intensified efforts are being made to contain the outbreak. This includes additional immunization campaigns and adjustments to the vaccination schedule, such as lowering the age for the second dose from 6 years to 2 years. The authorities are also actively engaging with religious communities, as 48% of vaccination refusals are based on religious grounds.
It is important to note that there is no specific treatment for measles, and the disease weakens the immune system. Children who have had measles are discharged with significantly weakened immunity, requiring about a year for it to fully recover. During this period, the child remains vulnerable to infections, as mentioned by Ishenapysova.
