NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Kyrgyzstan, health officials now reports 265 cases through the end of April.

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The bulk of the cases come out of Osh and the Osh region with more than 200 cases. Dozens of measles cases are also reported in the Batken region, the Chui region, Jalal-Abad region, the Talas region and the capital city of Bishkek.

241 of the cases have been reported in children under the age of 14.

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

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People can spread measles up to four days before and four days after a rash.

Signs and symptoms of measles include maculopapular rash, high fever, and a cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes.

Measles can be severe in all age groups and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and death. Several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (infection of the brain).