Iraq reports more than 27,000 measles cases through April 18
Vast majority not vaccinated
The Director-General of Public Health at the Iraq Ministry of Health, Riyad Al-Halafi, said that "the ministry recorded more than 27 000 cases of measles, 96% of which were among the unvaccinated, and 4% were among the vaccinated who did not complete the 2 doses."
In addition, he noted that 43 measles deaths have been reported, of which 42 of the fatalities were unvaccinated.
Provisional data based on monthly data reported to WHO (Geneva) as of early April 2024 show that Iraq is among the countries with the most measles cases.
In the latest list, Iraq came in third, following only Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
On April 14, Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi announced the launch of a comprehensive measles vaccination campaign in kindergartens and primary schools, while the Minister of Education, Ibrahim Namis Al-Jubouri, confirmed that the campaign targets some 7 million students.
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Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace or on a surface after an infected person leaves an area. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. People can spread measles up to four days before and four days after a rash.
Signs and symptoms of measles include maculopapular rash, high fever, and a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes.
Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Measles can be severe in all age groups and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and death. Several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (infection of the brain).