The majority of measles cases in Almaty are unvaccinated children, Assel Kalikova, deputy head of the Almaty City Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department, said at a press conference at the Regional Communications Service on the current epidemiological situation and the progress of disease prevention.
According to him, the increase in the disease began in November last year, when 30 people were registered. In December, their number reached 142. The increase has continued since the beginning of the year, and now 482 people have been registered with measles.

"The vast majority of patients are children who have not been vaccinated against measles. This directly affects the spread of the infection and the formation of outbreaks. Therefore, vaccination should not be neglected," says Asel Kalikova.

Of the confirmed cases, 451 were children under 14 years old, which is 93.5%. Teenagers — 0.4%, adults — 6.01%. The incidence rate per 100 thousand inhabitants reached 19.8. The largest number of patients was registered in Alatau district — 197, Nauryzbay district — 110, Bostandyk district — 45, Auezov district — 39, Almaly district — 32, Turksib district — 24, Zhetysu district — 20 and Medeu district — 15.

"87.9% of patients have not been vaccinated against measles. The main reasons are refusal to get vaccinated, medical contraindications, and not reaching the vaccination age. This is the group of people most susceptible to the disease," the speaker said.

Among the vaccinated, 34 people were diagnosed with measles, of which 33 did not receive a full course of vaccination, and only one was fully vaccinated. The largest proportion of patients were children aged 1 to 4 years and infants under one year old. By contingent, the disease was most often detected among unorganized children — 72.1%, followed by organized children, schoolchildren, military personnel, unemployed adults and students.

Anti-epidemic measures were taken in all foci of infection. 4154 contacts were identified and placed under medical supervision during the incubation period. According to epidemiological indicators, 706 contacts were vaccinated against measles, rubella and mumps. Filter control was introduced in kindergartens and schools, classroom teaching was temporarily suspended, mass events were limited, and unvaccinated children who had contacts were isolated.

"Vaccination remains the only effective way to protect against measles and its complications. Each dose of the vaccine strengthens the child's immunity and reduces the risk of severe disease. We urge parents to take a responsible approach to vaccination," said Asel Kalikova.

In Almaty, additional immunization continues, covering children under 18 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated against measles. Also, additional vaccinations have begun for children aged 6 months to 10 months and 29 days. From December last year to February this year, 1,720 babies were covered, which is 16.1% of the planned number. Since the beginning of the year, 4,200 children and adolescents have been vaccinated against measles. Scheduled vaccination is carried out twice - at 1 year and 6 years of age in clinics at the place of residence.

Experts noted that adhering to the vaccination schedule will help build lasting post-vaccination immunity and prevent the spread of infection.