The Ministry of Health says laboratory tests have confirmed four measles cases in Macedonia, including one imported case. Meanwhile, outbreaks of the disease are under way in Kosovo and Bulgaria.
The Institute of Public Health says the likelihood of further cases has increased, although there is currently no wider spread nationwide.
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All four people affected are unvaccinated. Two are infants who are not yet old enough to be vaccinated. Epidemiological services are tracing and monitoring everyone who has had contact with those affected. Public and private healthcare institutions have received protocols for the early detection, triage and isolation of cases, while kindergartens and schools have been given guidance on preventive measures.
Health Minister Sasho Klekovski stressed that measles is among the most contagious diseases, but that it is possible to protect against it. He said two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the most reliable protection. He urged parents to check their children’s vaccination records and adults who are unsure of their vaccination status to consult their family doctor. Klekovski said this also helps protect infants who are still too young to be vaccinated.
The ministry urges citizens to receive any outstanding MMR doses at their nearest vaccination site. People with a high fever, cough, red eyes and a skin rash should stay home and call their family doctor first, rather than going directly to a waiting room. Anyone who has had contact with a person with measles should immediately notify their family doctor or the Public Health Center. Parents are also asked not to send sick children to kindergarten or school.
According to the Ministry of Health, it, the Institute of Public Health and the public health centers are monitoring the situation continuously and will inform the public of any change in the epidemiological situation.
