Number of children with measles rising in Atyrau

Tengrinews.kz – A measles outbreak among children is being observed in Atyrau. In just the past month, the disease has been detected in more than 60 minors. Doctors are sounding the alarm and link the rise in cases to refusals of vaccination, citing Almaty.tv.
According to the TV channel, most patients being treated in the infectious diseases hospital are children aged 1 to 5.
Experts say vaccination is the only protection against the virus. Most city residents support this view, the report notes.
Measles is transmitted by airborne droplets. In the absence of vaccination, the risk of infection and severe illness increases significantly, so specialists are expressing serious concern. Since the start of the epidemic season in October, more than 300 measles cases have been registered in the region.

“At present, measles is spreading mainly among patients who did not receive their vaccinations on time. This viral infection has many complications. Children of different ages fall ill: we see infants, children from 1 to 5 years old, as well as teenagers,” noted Zhantore Orysbayeva, head of a department at the Atyrau Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital.

There is currently no shortage of beds in the hospital; additional beds have been opened in a special unit in the region.
According to doctors, measles is highly contagious: one patient can infect up to 90 percent of those around them. If complications develop, the disease can affect the respiratory system and, in particularly severe cases, lead to loss of hearing and vision.