More than 200 measles cases in one day raise alarm in Mongolia
Mongolia is facing a major rise in measles cases, with more than 200 new infections reported in just one day, taking the total number of cases across the country to over 10,000.
Health authorities say most of the newly infected are children of school age who only received one dose of the measles vaccine, which is not enough to provide full protection.
The World Health Organisation describes measles as one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It can spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing in the same space as an infected person.
Although measles is preventable with two doses of vaccine, it continues to pose a serious threat in many parts of the world.
In 2023, the disease killed over 100,000 people globally, most of them children under five.
Health officials in Mongolia are now urging parents to make sure their children receive all recommended vaccine doses.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
