In our continuing coverage of the measles outbreak in Ukraine, the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported the eighth measles fatality of the year in an adult.

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

Of the eight measles-related deaths this year, two were in children. In 2018 measles took 16 lives in Ukraine.

Officials also note that during the 6th week of 2019, measles affected 3,142 people – 1,472 adults and 1,670 children.

In total from December 28, 2018 to February 8, 2019, measles in Ukraine sickened 18,170 people – 7,808 adults and 10,362 children.

Measles Vaccine Provides Herd Immunity Against Other Infectious Diseases

The highest rates of morbidity are in Lviv (3,703 people in total: 1,030 adults and 2,344 children), Vinnytsya (1 660: 713 adults and 947 children), Rivne (1,636: 540 adults and 1,096 children), Khmelnytsky (1 299) : 600 adults and 699 children) and Kyiv (1,508 people: 835 adults and 673 children).

The Ministry of Health says for reliable protection from illness, all children must receive both the first and second dose of measles vaccine in a timely manner according to the immunization calendar.

The importance of herd immunity in protecting the vulnerable: A look at a fatal measles case

In addition to personal protection from measles, vaccination also provides protection to those who can not get vaccinations because of certain contraindications – due to collective immunity (when at least 95% of the population around them is vaccinated).