Daijiworld Media Network - Ulan Bator

Ulan Bator, Jul 29: Mongolia is facing a concerning public health challenge as the country's measles-related death toll has risen to 10, following the confirmation of two additional fatalities, the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) reported on Monday.

In its latest update, the NCCD revealed that 109 individuals remain hospitalised, including six children in critical condition. Health authorities have urged parents to take immediate action by ensuring that their children receive the two recommended doses of the measles vaccine, which remains the most effective preventive measure.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact. It predominantly affects children and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and in severe cases, death. Early symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes, and a distinctive body rash that begins on the face and neck before spreading.

Despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine, measles continues to pose a threat in many parts of the world, especially in regions with low vaccination coverage and weakened healthcare infrastructure.

Globally, the disease caused an estimated 107,500 deaths in 2023, primarily among children under five. However, thanks to global immunisation efforts by countries in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners like the Measles & Rubella Partnership, it is estimated that 60 million deaths were prevented between 2000 and 2023. Measles-related deaths fell dramatically from 800,062 in 2000 to 107,500 in 2022.

The NCCD continues to stress that vaccination is the best protection against measles — not only for the individual but also to reduce community transmission. Symptoms usually appear 10–14 days after exposure, and the rash typically emerges between 7–18 days after contact with the virus.

Measles remains widespread in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, particularly in low-income countries where healthcare systems face challenges in delivering widespread immunisation.

Mongolian health officials are now intensifying vaccination campaigns and urging parents not to delay in getting their children vaccinated, especially amid the current surge.