In Cyprus, the second case of measles in a week has been identified: the Ministry of Health has published a memorandum for travelers

A three-year-old child has contracted measles in the Republic of Cyprus. This is the second case of the disease in the country in several days. The Ministry of Health of the country has published a memorandum for travelers.

It is noted that measles was detected yesterday in a three-year-old boy. The child is undergoing treatment at the pediatric clinic of the Makarios Hospital. Recall that a few days ago, a diagnosis of measles was made for a 20-month-old boy. He has already been discharged from the Makarios Hospital. In both cases, the children were not vaccinated against measles.

Due to the two cases of the disease, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus has published recommendations for the population and travelers.

The memorandum contains information on how measles is transmitted, information on prevention and control of transmission, as well as what citizens should pay attention to.

Since June 2023, there has been a steady increase in the number of measles cases in European countries. Most cases have been registered in Romania, Great Britain, Austria, and France.

Sporadic cases have also been recorded in many European countries. In Cyprus, no cases of the disease have been registered over the past two years. In previous years, measles cases were imported.

Since the beginning of 2024, two positive cases of measles have been registered among children in the country.

In Cyprus, measles vaccination is carried out with the triple measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is administered in accordance with the National Immunization Program in two doses: at the age of 12 months (1st dose) and at the age of 4 years (2nd dose), but it can be administered earlier if 4 weeks have passed since the 1st dose.

Vaccination is free for all clients of the National Health Service and in Maternal and Child Protection Centers for those who are not clients. During an epidemic period, MMR vaccination can be given from six months of age. In this case, they should be revaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age according to the schedule. Infants aged 6 to 11 months who are planning to visit countries endemic for measles are recommended to receive one dose of the MMR vaccine before departure.

For the prevention of the disease, the Ministry of Health recommends vaccinating with the MMR vaccine children, adolescents, and adults who have not received the necessary doses of vaccination. Those who were not vaccinated in childhood according to the National Vaccination Schedule and are planning to travel abroad are recommended to receive the MMR vaccine.