Ukraine is facing an increase in measles cases, which this year are already five times higher than last year. Despite this, vaccination rates among children are declining, and many of them are missing out on routine vaccinations due to military conflicts.
Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor and head of the Department of Children's Infectious Diseases of the National Medical University of Ukraine named after O.O. Bogomoletsa, Honored Doctor of Ukraine Serhiy Kramaryov, discussed the possibility of a measles epidemic in Ukraine.
The doctor notes that the situation regarding measles is becoming dangerous, as the vaccination rate has decreased and now does not exceed 70%, while the rate of 90-95% needs to be reached to prevent outbreaks. There are already children in Ukraine who have not received the necessary vaccinations.
The doctor points out that outbreaks of measles in Ukraine occur every 5-6 years, and the last one was in 2018-2019. According to forecasts, a new outbreak is possible in 2024. The problem with decreasing vaccination rates in Ukraine is not unique, because the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in vaccination in many countries around the world.
The doctor urges parents to simplify their demands and not make compromises that do not correspond to their personal values in order to prevent a possible outbreak of measles. He emphasizes that vaccination is the main protection against this disease and calls on parents to vaccinate their children in a timely manner.
Measles is a serious disease in children, and the measles virus is neurotropic, which can lead to severe damage to the nervous system, as well as suppression of the immune system, which increases the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
