site.btaMeasles Cases Registered in Bulgaria Reach 101

A total of 101 cases of measles have been registered in Bulgaria, the Health Ministry announced on Facebook on Thursday. The cases have been reported in five regions of the country. The biggest number of cases have been registered in Vratsa - 80. Twelve cases have been reported in the Pleven Region, six in the Lovech Region, two in Sofia City, and one in the Sofia Region.

According to data from the Health Ministry, 89% of those infected are children. There are 11 adult patients, ranging in age from 19 to 53. More than half of those infected are unvaccinated, and the immunization status is unknown for seven of the patients. For the rest, the vaccination has been registered.

Since the outbreak began in the country, over 13,000 vaccines against measles, mumps, and rubella have been administered. The highest number of children that have been vaccinated are in the regions of Sofia City (2,291), Plovdiv (1,243), Burgas (1,045), and Vratsa (768).

In connection with the upcoming holidays, the Health Ministry reminds the public that the measles virus is highly contagious. "For your safety, avoid contact with sick individuals to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected and contracting measles if you have not been vaccinated or previously had the disease," experts urge. 

On March 19, the Ministry reported eight confirmed cases of measles in the municipality of Byala Slatina, Vratsa Region. At that time, the Health Ministry ordered an emergency measles vaccination campaign nationwide for all children who had missed their vaccinations.

In Bulgaria, measles vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at 13 months of age and in the year the child turns 12.