The last case of measles in Montenegro was recorded in March, and until then, a total of 12 cases had been detected, while last year the number was 35, said Dr. Adis Martinović, an epidemiologist at the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro (IJZCG), while appearing on Boje jutra on Vijesti Television.
"If we talk about this year, when children born last year were supposed to be vaccinated, only about ten percent of them have been vaccinated. That is a very, very small number, unlike last year when we had about 23 percent. We fear that this year it will remain at a very low level, because in April we report annual coverage to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, so we still have a little time to catch up and our appeal is still to get children vaccinated. Now we have cold days ahead, the winter period when all respiratory diseases are on the rise, it is also a suitable terrain for measles," emphasized Dr. Martinović.
He said that vaccination is safe, and that vaccines have been tested and modernized. He added that delaying vaccination can leave a child unprotected and expose them to serious health risks.
"Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even deafness or blindness. It is important that children are vaccinated on time to ensure they have a healthy and happy life. We urge all parents to be informed and take care of their children's health," Martinović stressed.
He also said that there is an increase in the number of people suffering from seasonal flu, which arrived a few weeks earlier than expected this year.
In some municipalities, all vaccine supplies were even used up, but thanks to cooperation with Montefarma and the Podgorica Health Center, the vaccines were redistributed.
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