Mongolia’s Health Ministry on Monday said that the country has reported two new cases of measles along with one suspected case. The country earlier on August 1 declared an outbreak of measles, following the confirmation of measles in a 47-year-old Mongolian citizen who had recently returned from abroad, reported Xinhua news agency.

Of the three confirmed cases of measles, two were imported, and one was locally transmitted, the health ministry said in a statement. The country’s State Emergency Commission has directed the ministry to activate disaster prevention protocols, expedite surveillance and response measures, and ensure comprehensive monitoring, immunization, and preparedness.

The people of the country have been advised to follow public health measures to keep themselves, their families and the community protected from further spread of the disease.

Measles is a contagious viral disease that causes fever and a rash. It spreads through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. There isn’t any treatment for the condition, however, the only protection you can take against measles is to take the MMR vaccine.

MMR is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine which provides protection against the measles virus. It stimulates the body’s immune system to develop immunity without causing the disease itself. The vaccine offers protection against three serious viral infections; measles, mumps, and rubella.

Protecting children from measles is important because there are several complications that can arise due to the disease. These complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling) and even death in cases of severe infection. Children under the age of five are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are not fully developed and this makes them less capable of fighting off infections. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, as it not only protects the vaccinated child but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of the virus spreading within the community.

This is important for protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, such as allergies or compromised immune systems. When there’s a measles outbreak, it can impact healthcare systems severely as infected children usually require hospitalization and intensive care.

Also, the virus can lead to long-term health issues; for example, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Although rare, this is a rare but fatal condition that can occur years after the first measles infection. Therefore, it is important that there is high vaccination coverage. This helps to prevent such outbreaks and protect public health.

Protecting children from measles not only helps to safeguard their immediate health and well-being but also promotes a healthier community. Vaccination campaigns can play an important critical role in educating parents about the importance of immunization and ensuring that vaccines are accessible to all.

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