The chief immunologist of Kyiv announced the risk of the measles epidemic spreading throughout Ukraine
There is a risk that Ukrainians will spread the measles virus from the Ivano-Frankivsk and Odessa regions throughout the country.
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This was stated in an interview with the Kyiv publication “Gordon” by the chief pediatric immunologist of Kyiv, Fyodor Lapiy.
“In Ukraine, the incidence of measles increases every five to seven years. If you remember the last time, it was in 2011-2012. We, in fact, were expecting this jump by 2017. In addition, we have a very low vaccination rate. You need to understand that one in a thousand people with measles dies. Another patient has damage to the nervous system. This disease is very difficult to bear. The number of patients increases tenfold, and there is a need for their hospitalization. Today, an increase in incidence is observed in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Odessa regions. And we understand where Ukrainians will go on vacation in the summer. That is, there is a risk that people will spread the measles virus from two regions throughout Ukraine,” the immunologist noted.
In his opinion, the state had the opportunity to prevent the increase in measles incidence among the population.
“Calling this an epidemic is incorrect. We are faced with an increase in morbidity. It is also impossible to say that this is a normal process, due to the fact that it occurs with a certain frequency. The increase in incidence could have been prevented. In civilized countries this problem is dealt with. Our only opportunity to somehow protect adults is to vaccinate children. After all, as a rule, it is children who are the source of infection for adults. We know that many of our children have not been vaccinated. And unfortunately, we can state that they will get sick,” Lapiy concluded.
On May 22, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported a significant increase in the incidence of measles in the country.
Kyiv's chief immunologist warned of the risk of a measles epidemic spreading throughout Ukraine.