The number of measles cases in Ukraine has increased more than 20 times
15 May 14:52
In the first three months of 2025, 472 cases of measles were recorded in Ukraine, which is 20 times more than in the same period last year. This is reported by the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
In 2024, the number of measles cases increased 6.6 times – from 65 cases in 2023 to 433. The current trend is a cause for concern among doctors.
Most cases were registered in Zakarpattia, Chernivtsi, and Odesa regions. In Chernivtsi and Odesa, there was one death among children aged 10 years and 9 months. Both children had severe comorbidities.
Cyclicality and risks
The Public Health Center reminds that measles outbreaks are cyclical and recur every 5-6 years. The only reliable way of prevention is vaccination. For effective protection, it is necessary to achieve a vaccination coverage rate of at least 95%.
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases: 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will get sick after contact with an infected person. Unvaccinated children are most at risk.
The incubation period lasts 10-12 days. There is no specific treatment. The decision to “get sick” for the sake of immunity is dangerous and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, otitis media, encephalitis, and even death.
Vaccination is the only protection
The state provides children with the free MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) combination vaccine. It is safe, effective and provides long-lasting immunity.
Main symptoms of measles:
- High fever (up to 39-40°C)
- Severe coughing
- Runny nose
- Redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Photophobia
- White spots on the mucous membrane of the cheeks (Koplik spots)
A few days later – a red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body
Why measles is dangerous:
- Complications are common, especially in children:
- Pneumonia
- Otitis media (ear infection)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Diarrhea and dehydration
- Blindness
- Death
How to protect yourself:
Ukrainian children receive a free combined MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at the age of 12 months and 6 years.
Measles is not a “light childhood disease” but a serious health threat. Without vaccination, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated contacts get sick after coming into contact with an infected person.
