The National Centre for Communicable Diseases in Mongolia announced that the total number of measles cases has risen to 14,123. Most of the new infections were found in school-age children who had received only one dose of the measles vaccine. To safeguard children from this serious illness, parents are urged to ensure their children receive two doses of the measles vaccine.
Measles, a highly contagious disease, spreads through contact with infected respiratory secretions or airborne particles. It is extremely infectious, with one infected person capable of causing up to 18 secondary infections. Although measles can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in children.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles infection and transmission. The vaccine is safe and enhances the body’s ability to combat the virus. Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, frequent epidemics led to millions of deaths annually.
Despite the availability of a safe and affordable vaccine, an estimated 107,500 individuals, primarily children under five years old, succumbed to measles in 2023. Symptoms typically manifest 10-14 days post-exposure, with a distinctive rash being a prominent sign. Early symptoms include a runny nose, cough, red eyes, and white spots in the mouth.
The rash typically appears 7-18 days after exposure, starting on the face and neck before spreading to other body parts over a few days. It lasts for about 5-6 days before fading away.
