These diseases have increased almost 7 times: a dangerous situation in Lithuania, reports of deaths in Europe

Since the beginning of this year, the number of measles cases in Lithuania has also been increasing. Specialists of the National Public Health Center remind us that the only means that can control the spread of this disease are vaccinations.

Morbidity increased 7 times

This year, 22 cases of measles have already been confirmed in Lithuania, which is almost 7 times more than last year. As much as 70 percent of all sick people are unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. 40 percent of measles cases were treated in hospitals, the press release said.

“The only preventive measure that protects every person and the entire society from measles is vaccination, which has been used to vaccinate children in the world for more than 60 years. Unfortunately, in the last few years, not enough children have been vaccinated in Lithuania – the scope of vaccinations is less than 90%. In order to avoid the threat of measles outbreaks not only among children, but also among adults, it is recommended that 95 percent be vaccinated,” reminds Edita Jegelevičienė, chief specialist of the Infectious Diseases Management Department of the NVSC.

Last year, 95% of the population was vaccinated against measles in only ten municipalities. or more two-year-old children: Pasvalio r. and Pagėgii (97.3%), Tauragė district. (97.8 percent), Šakių district. (96.5%), in Kazlų Rūda (98.5%), Širvintų district. (96.2 percent), Švenčioni district. (95.3%), Ignalina district. (100 percent), Visaginas district. (99.3%) and Druskininkai (96.5%). In the group of seven-year-old children, there are thirteen such municipalities.

It is reminded that the conjugated vaccine against measles, rubella and epidemic parotitis is given to children free of charge at 15-16 months according to the preventive vaccination calendar for children of the Republic of Lithuania. with the first dose of the vaccine, and at 6-7 years old with the second dose. More information about measles infection can be found here.