Bishkek, Sept. 5, 2025 /Kabar/. Since June, Kyrgyzstan has seen a decline in measles cases, epidemiologist at the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis Aichurok Makilova told.
However, according to her, it is too early to relax.
“School started in September. We ask all parents to get the measles vaccine. Because it is dangerous not only for them, but also for other children,” Makilova emphasized.
Since the beginning of the year, 8.8 thousand cases of measles have been registered in Kyrgyzstan. The outbreak of the infection has been ongoing since 2023 throughout the country. According to doctors, more than 5,000 cases have been identified in Bishkek, over 1,000 in the Chui region, and over 700 in the Osh region.
Children aged 1 to 4 years are mostly affected. There are also cases of infection among children under one year old who are not yet subject to vaccination. They receive their first measles shot at one year, and a revaccination at two years. Previously, revaccination was carried out at six years of age, but in 2024, the vaccination schedule was changed.
“Some parents do not know that a child should receive a measles revaccination at two years of age,” the doctor added, noting that the disease is more complicated among unvaccinated children.
Measles is a dangerous viral infection that can be contracted even through short-term contact. The disease can be mild and lead to lifelong immunity, or it can lead to serious, sometimes long-term, health problems or even death.