site.btaMeasles Cases at 70, Health Minister Says

The number of measles cases has reached 70, caretaker Health Minister Mihail Okoliyski said Friday during the 13th NextGen Health National Health Forum, organized by Manager magazine. “We are doing everything possible to prevent a nationwide epidemic. Most of those infected are children in the regions that have already been under observation, including Sofia,” he added, noting that no severe cases of the disease have been observed.

All diagnosed patients have been admitted to medical facilities both for treatment and to limit their contacts. The issue, however, is that in the regions of Vratsa and Pleven, nearly all hospital beds are already occupied. “We hope the trend of newly registered cases will slow down so as not to overload the healthcare system,” he said.

General practitioners and health mediators are working on the ground, with vaccination coverage being the most important factor in controlling the situation. “We are emphasizing the importance of parents understanding how crucial it is to vaccinate their children. Nearly all of those diagnosed with measles are unvaccinated,” the minister said. All necessary medications for treatment are available, he added.