Mongolia’s measles cases cross 3,000 mark

Ulan Bator

Mongolia is facing a rise in measles cases. The country reported 114 new cases in the last 24 hours. This brings the total number of confirmed measles cases to 3,042, according to the National Centre for Communicable Diseases (NCCD). The good news is that 95 more people have recovered, raising the total recoveries to 1,904.

Doctors say most of the new cases are school-age children who only received one dose of the measles vaccine. The NCCD is asking parents to make sure their children get both doses of the vaccine to stay protected.

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with someone who is sick. It can cause a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes, and a rash that covers the body. If not treated early, measles can lead to serious problems and even death.

The best way to stay safe from measles is to get vaccinated. The World Health Organization says people who get two doses of the vaccine are better protected. Some children do not develop full immunity after the first dose, so the second shot is very important.

Even though a safe and cheap vaccine exists, measles still killed around 107,500 people in 2023. Most of them were young children under five. Experts say at least 74% of children worldwide got both vaccine doses in 2023, while 83% received at least one dose.

Health officials in Mongolia are now urging faster action to stop further spread.