“Full stabilization has not yet been achieved“: Health Ministry steps up measures against measles

Tengrinews.kz — The Ministry of Healthcare notes that all necessary preventive and anti-epidemic measures are being implemented, but full stabilization of the situation has not yet been achieved. The main driver of the spread of infection remains refusal of vaccination, the ministry’s press service reports.
The situation with the spread of measles in Kazakhstan was discussed on 4 February at a meeting of the national task force on the epidemiological situation regarding measles, held at the Ministry of Health.
The meeting, chaired by Minister Akmaral Alnazarova, was attended by deputy akims, heads of regional and city health departments, as well as heads of territorial departments of sanitary and epidemiological control.
The task force discussed the current measles situation, measures being taken, and additional steps to strengthen prevention and increase vaccination coverage among the population.
According to the Ministry of Healthcare, since the end of last year the country has seen a rise in measles cases. Epidemiological analysis shows that most of those infected are unvaccinated.

“Thus, 79 percent of those who fell ill were not vaccinated, another 8.4 percent received an incomplete immunization course, and in 10 percent of cases the immune status is unknown. Of particular concern is the fact that about 59 percent of unvaccinated children did not receive vaccinations due to parental decisions,” the statement says.

In total, 1,951 measles cases have been registered in the country since the beginning of the year. The highest numbers have been recorded in Astana — 581 cases, Zhambyl region — 339, Almaty — 317, and Almaty region — 146 cases.

“Measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases. In the absence of vaccination, the illness can be severe and lead to serious complications: pneumonia, otitis with risk of hearing loss, damage to the nervous system including encephalitis, and in rare cases — death. In addition, after measles, a person’s immune system remains weakened for a long time,” the Healthcare Ministry noted.

The highest risk is borne by young children, unvaccinated adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, measles can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and severe complications.
Vaccination remains the only reliable means of preventing measles.
The vaccine is well tolerated, without adverse effects, and effectively protects against infection and its severe consequences, the Ministry of Health emphasizes.

“The Ministry of Healthcare strongly recommends that parents check their children’s vaccination status and receive immunization on time in accordance with the National Immunization Schedule. Detailed information about vaccination is available on the EGU.KZ website and by calling 7701,” the ministry’s statement says.