Kyrgyzstan is grappling with a second wave of measles, with active transmission noted in Bishkek, Jalal-Abad, and Chui regions since the 35th week, according to the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic.
As of December 5, the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis reported 5,162 cases, with 1,627 laboratory-confirmed, 1,231 clinically confirmed, and 2,304 epidemiologically related cases. The incidence rate is intensive, standing at 75.0 per 100,000 population.
Interestingly, during the 48th week of this year, Osh city, Osh, Naryn, and Issyk-Kul regions reported zero measles cases.
Breaking down the territorial distribution of cases, Bishkek recorded 1,517 cases, Osh city 356, Osh region 744, Batken region 116, Chui region 723, Jalal-Abad region 1,467, Talas region 97, Issyk-Kul region 81, and Naryn region 61.
Analyzing the age distribution, 43.6% of cases fall in the 1–4 years age group, 26.5% under 1 year, 17.8% from 5 to 9 years, 4.0% from 10 to 14 years, 0.9% from 15 to 19 years, 4% from 20 to 29 years, and 30 years and older constitute 142 cases.
The resurgence, particularly in Bishkek, Jalal-Abad, and Chui regions, is linked to low coverage, with susceptible children accumulating due to missed vaccinations at ages 1 and 6. The rise is also attributed to increased vaccine refusals, along with heightened migration in cities like Bishkek and Osh, where migrant children aren’t assigned to healthcare organizations and thus miss scheduled vaccinations.
To combat the outbreak, additional immunizations and “catch-up” immunizations are being carried out in organized communities, with healthcare workers vigilantly monitoring active outbreaks. As of November 30, 2023, immunization coverage against measles and rubella stands at 79% (479,386).
