Two schools in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure against a measles outbreak. This decision was taken by the anti-epidemic and anti-epizootic special commission, as confirmed by the Ministry of Education and Science’s press service.
The closure affects Secondary schools No. 2 and 7, where a significant number of measles cases were reported. The educational process in these schools will continue in a remote learning format.
It’s worth noting that Kyrgyzstan has seen a rising number of measles cases this year, with over 3,000 cases reported since the beginning of the year. The majority of these cases involve children under 10 years old, accounting for 88 percent of all cases.
The highest incidence rates have been observed in Bishkek, Osh, Chui, and Osh regions, and the situation in the Jalal-Abad region has been deteriorating since September.
Tragically, there have been three deaths recorded this year due to measles, including children aged one, three, and 13.
In response to the increased incidence of measles, the government has initiated additional immunization efforts against measles and rubella. These efforts began on September 18 in areas with the most active virus circulation, covering Bishkek, Osh, Osh, and Chui regions. More than 460,000 children, representing 74 percent of the target group, have already received vaccines as part of this campaign.