Will a measles epidemic spread throughout Azerbaijan? Causes of danger and possible risks/OFFICIAL

In recent days, one of the most discussed topics in society is the situation with the increase in measles incidence. Moreover, the question of a possible epidemic of this disease in Azerbaijan is being discussed in social networks.

Even though the Ministry of Health officially denied the possibility of a catastrophic scenario, many in society still have questions - why is there a small but growing incidence of the disease, isn’t the situation worsening?

To clarify the matter, Caliber.Az asked the Republican Centre of Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan to comment on the situation, and we present the response of the Centre to our readers.

The Centre said the increase in the number of measles cases is due to various reasons, but mainly due to parents' refusal to vaccinate their children in time because of distrust in vaccines.

According to the structure, those with weak immunity, in particular, patients with tuberculosis, AIDS, pregnant women, and those who have small children, are at risk of catching measles.

“The first symptoms of the disease are fever, dry cough, conjunctivitis, and photophobia. Then a rash appears on the skin, first behind the ears, then on the head and face, after which the rash spreads to the whole body. Measles is dangerous with complications - pneumonia, otitis media, gastrointestinal disorders, meningitis, and encephalitis.

In addition, measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. To protect against it, it is necessary to be vaccinated, wear respirator masks and avoid mass gatherings of people," the Centre added.