Mongolia reports over 200 measles cases

Ulan Bator

Mongolia has recorded 220 measles cases, with most infections among school-aged children who received only one vaccine dose, the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) reported Wednesday.

Health officials are urging parents to ensure children receive both doses of the measles vaccine for full protection against the highly contagious disease, which spreads through coughing and sneezing.

Measles mainly affects children and can cause severe complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash. Unvaccinated children and pregnant women face the highest risks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications. The disease once caused millions of deaths worldwide, but widespread immunization has significantly reduced fatalities.

Global efforts, including the WHO and Measles & Rubella Partnership, have helped prevent around 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023. Despite these efforts, measles still killed 107,500 people in 2023, mostly young children.

Mongolian authorities continue urging parents to complete their children’s immunization schedules to prevent further outbreaks.