The measles outbreak in Ukraine killed 14 people and infected more than 32,000 – Xinhua

KIEV, March 25 (Xinhua) – At least 14 people have died and more than 32,000 have been infected during a major measles outbreak in Ukraine in the last three months, the Ministry of Health said on Monday. country.

A total of 32,939 people, including 18,109 children, were infected with measles from 28 December 2018 to 12 March 2019 in Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement.

Last year, 35,120 cases of measles were recorded in Ukraine against 4,782 confirmed cases in 2017. This is the largest increase in measles cases in the world, according to the United Nations International Fund. for relief in childhood (UNICEF).

In total, about 35 people have died of measles in Ukraine since the beginning of the epidemic in 2017.

Ukrainian health authorities blamed the outbreak of the disease for the low level of vaccination.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact.