A number of 177 cases of measles have been confirmed so far this year. Seven new suspected cases were reported recently in Ocnița. The nationwide orange code advisory for an epidemic of measles continues to be valid, IPN reports.

The National Public Health Agency said a significant rise in the number of cases of measles was seen in August, with 140 cases being confirmed and another 83 suspected cases being examined this month. The disease the past week affected mainly the districts of Ceadâr-Lunga, Vulcănești, Ungheni, Taraclia, Cahul, Hâncești, Cantemir and Ocnița.

Given that the new school year starts soon, the General Public Health, Culture and Sport Division of the Chisinau Municipal Council asked to identify the unvaccinated children who attend education institutions and the children wo need to be revaccinated. The children are admitted to groups and education and recreational institutions if they are vaccinated.

Measles spreads very swiftly in unvaccinated communities. A sick child can infect up to 18 children. The symptoms of the disease include fever and eruptions accompanied by cough, rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis. The consequences of measles are very serious and can even lead to death.

The National Public Health Agency calls on the population to get vaccinated as soon as possible, warning that immunization is the safest and most efficient method of protecting children against very serious diseases.