​41 people fell ill with measles in the Atyrau region, but, “this is not an epidemic”.

To date, 41 cases of measles have been reported in the Atyrau region. According to Nadezhda Yergaleva, the chief of infectious diseases of Atyrau Health Department, however, this figure does not exceed the epidemiological threshold.

- “All patients have received the necessary medical care. Media reports of people being admitted to intensive care units are not true”.
In accordance with the National Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) vaccination schedule, children are vaccinated against measles at the age of 12-15 months and again at age 6.

“All medical establishments are equipped with vaccination rooms. Since December, 1000 vaccinations have been given with 3700 remaining, and an additional 7000 doses have been ordered”, says Head of the Atyrau Oblast Health Department, Manshuk Aymurzieva, “vaccines for all residents of the region are free”.

Farhat Abilov

Facts 

Measles is an acute infectious disease that manifests itself with symptoms such as; a temperature of 39 degrees or more, headache, sore throat, cough and a rash. The disease is caused by a virus that enters the body through the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose and eyes. Measles can only affect a person once due to the body producing strong immunity after infection. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world: almost 100% of people who come into contact with an infected person will develop the disease. Though considered a common childhood disease, measles is very dangerous, every hour in the world 15 people will die from the disease. Mortality is especially high in developing countries of Africa and Asia where measles accounts for 20% of childhood deaths.