Ukraine Reports More Measles Cases Than 27 EU Countries Combined

According to the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 49,518 people (18,297 adults and 31,221 children) have been diagnosed with the measles virus in Ukraine during 2018. 

This data contrasts with October 10, 2018 reporting, when 32,489 people had suffered measles.   

This information indicates Ukraine’s measles outbreak has expanded by approximately 53 percent in 2 months. 

Specifically, the most measles cases in Ukraine have been reported in Ukraine’s 7th largest city of Lviv (10,818), which has a population of 2.6 million regional residents.   

Moreover, Ukraine’s measles outbreak appears to be greater than 27 EU countries combined (13,114) during 2018. 

Several of Ukraine’s western neighboring countries, such as Moldova and Romania, have also reported numerous measles cases during 2018. 

Ukraine’s Ministry of Health said in a press release that ‘Immunization is a matter of national security, since the health of Ukrainians - all together and everyone in particular - depends on the level of vaccination coverage in the country.’   

Additionally, if the local chief physician cannot provide the necessary information, contact the Ukraine health department in your area. 

Measles is a disease that can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs), and even death. It is caused by a highly-contagious virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   

To alert Americans visiting Ukraine, a CDC Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions, was issued on May 2nd, 2018. 

The CDC says travelers to Ukraine should make sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.   

And, to ensure you are up-to-date on diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and a yearly flu shot.   

Additionally, the CDC recommends the hepatitis A vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Ukraine, regardless of where you are eating or staying. 

Travel vaccine and medication counseling sessions can be scheduled with a pharmacy at Vax-Before-Travel.

And, vaccine discounts can be found at discounts. 

Recently, on December 4, 2018, the US State Department issued a Level 2, Excercise Increased Caution, Travel Advisory, for visitors to Ukraine.   

Further, the US Embassy in the city of Kyiv issued an additional Alert for American visitors on December 14, 2018.