Mongolia is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with the total number of confirmed cases reaching , 14,123, according to the country’s National Centre for Communicable Diseases (NCCD).
Health officials are particularly concerned about the rising number of infections among school-aged children, noting that a majority of these cases involve individuals who have received only one dose of the measles vaccine. The NCCD is strongly advising parents to ensure their children receive two doses of the vaccine to provide optimal protection against this highly contagious disease.
Understanding Measles and Its Spread
Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours, making it exceptionally infectious. According to Xinhua news agency, one infected person can potentially spread the virus to as many as 18 others.
While anyone can contract measles, children are most commonly affected. Initial symptoms, which typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, include a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks. These early symptoms usually last between four and seven days.
The characteristic measles rash typically begins 7 to 18 days after exposure, starting on the face and upper neck before spreading downwards to the hands and feet over approximately three days. The rash generally lasts for five to six days before fading.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and protect both individuals and communities. The measles vaccine is safe and helps the body develop immunity to the virus. Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and the subsequent widespread vaccination efforts, major epidemics occurred every two to three years, resulting in an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.
Despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine, measles continues to pose a global health threat. In 2023, an estimated 107,500 people worldwide died from measles, the majority of whom were children under the age of five.
Why Two Doses are Recommended
The NCCD’s recommendation for two doses of the measles vaccine underscores the importance of achieving comprehensive immunity. While one dose provides some protection, a second dose ensures a more robust and lasting immune response, particularly crucial in the face of ongoing outbreaks.
The current outbreak in Mongolia highlights the vulnerability of populations with incomplete vaccination coverage. The fact that a significant proportion of new cases are occurring in school-aged children with only one vaccine dose emphasizes the need for catch-up vaccination programs and continued efforts to promote complete immunization schedules.
Global Context and Ongoing Concerns
Measles outbreaks are not limited to Mongolia. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health organizations continue to monitor measles cases worldwide and work with countries to strengthen vaccination programs and prevent further spread of the disease.
The resurgence of measles in various parts of the world is often linked to factors such as declining vaccination rates, disruptions to healthcare services, and the spread of misinformation about vaccines. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to protect communities and prevent the re-emergence of this preventable disease.
Health officials emphasize that measles is a serious illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death. Vaccination is not only a personal health decision but also a public health responsibility, contributing to the collective immunity that protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and those with certain medical conditions.
