Four measles cases confirmed in Chisinau, with four more suspected
Last week, four cases of measles were confirmed in Chisinau, and an additional four cases are currently under investigation. Vladimir Bolocan, the deputy head of the General Directorate of Medical and Social Assistance, shared this information during an operational meeting at Chisinau City Hall. Authorities are urging parents to vaccinate their children, as vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent the disease.
According to Bolocan, the illnesses were recorded in unvaccinated children.
"We urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and remind them that, by the national immunization calendar, an individualized vaccination schedule is also available. If the administration of the measles vaccine was postponed for objective medical reasons, this does not mean it won't be given. The vaccine will be administered according to the individualized vaccination schedule," Bolocan emphasized.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Morbillivirus. It is a common childhood disease that primarily affects the lungs and throat. The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include a skin rash that appears about two weeks after infection, characterized by reddish spots that spread throughout the body; at this stage, patients are extremely contagious.
We remind you that while there is no specific treatment for measles, the disease can be prevented through vaccination. In the Republic of Moldova, vaccination is provided free of charge at 12 months, 6-7 years, and 15-16 years of age.
Globally, measles remains the leading cause of death among children. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that approximately 160,000 children die each year due to complications associated with the disease.
