The Hygiene and Epidemiological Service of the Budva Health Center reported a measles epidemic on the territory of this municipality, the Institute for Public Health of Montenegro (IJZCG) announced.
The announcement states that from March 28, 2024, ending with August 9, 16 cases of measles were registered in Montenegro.
It is stated that seven patients have been registered in Budva.
"After it was determined that some cases were epidemiologically linked (established local transmission), the criteria for reporting an epidemic were met. This development of the situation is not surprising given the low level of vaccination against measles in our country, as well as epidemics in neighboring countries. at the beginning of the new school year, the risk of the further spread of measles will further increase," the announcement states.
IJZCG said that according to the latest available data, a total of 2024 cases were registered in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in 6.910, with two deaths among adolescents (as of August 4.8.2024, XNUMX).
"296 cases were registered in the Republic of Srpska (as of 02.08.2024), in Serbia 255 (as of 31.07.2024), in Albania 40 (as of 01.08.2024), in Croatia 21 (as of 01.08.2024) and in Slovenia has 16 cases (as of August 01.08.2024, XNUMX)," the announcement reads.
IJZCG sk said that vaccination is the best protection against measles.
"Complete vaccination is achieved by receiving two doses of the vaccine, whereby the first dose should be received as soon as possible after the completion of one year. The vaccine is safe and very effective, and receiving the vaccine in a timely manner is especially important," it is stated.
IJZCG once again appeals to parents: vaccinate your children without delay.
"All children who have reached one year of age and do not have medical contraindications stated in writing by a doctor should receive the first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and children who are preparing to enter school and older must be vaccinated with two doses In the following period, it will be recommended that children receive a second dose of the MMR vaccine at least one month after receiving it, as only persons who have received two doses are considered fully vaccinated. Also, if the epidemiological situation worsens, it is possible that it will be recommended to receive the first dose of the vaccine already at the age of 6 to 12 months," they stated.
The IJZCG said that people who are not fully vaccinated or who do not have proof that they have had measles are not recommended to travel to areas with registered cases of the disease.
"Also, it is advised to avoid gatherings and staying in collectives," said the IJZCG.
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