A measles outbreak in Kyrgyzstan has led to the deaths of two unrelated children, aged 3 and 1, over the past six months, officials said on August 14. Both fatalities resulted from the refusal of vaccinations by the children's parents, who cited religious beliefs, officials said. The Health Ministry reported a total of 1,704 confirmed cases this year. The surge in cases extends to other former Soviet republics, with Russia reporting more than 5,000 cases, Kazakhstan at least 3,000, and Tajikistan with 528 cases since the beginning of the year. Measles is a preventable but highly contagious disease that can kill a child or leave it disabled for life. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service, click here.
Two Children Die Amid Measles Outbreak In Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan, like other former Soviet republics, has seen a surge in measles cases this year. (illustrative photo)