In a follow-up to a report five weeks ago concerning the measles situation in Romania, the Ministry of Health now puts the measles tally in the southeastern European country at just shy of 1,000 cases, according to a Romania-Insider report Friday.

Image/geralt
Image/geralt

With the addition of 150 cases this month, the case count for the first 10 months stands at 935. This compares to seven measles cases reported in all of 2015.

The number of measles-related fatalities has grown to six.

Arad County has seen the most cases with 223; however, at least 30 counties total have seen cases.

Health Ministry officials say most cases are linked to outbreaks in communities with low vaccine coverage.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.

There is no specific treatment for measles and most people recover within 2–3 weeks. However, particularly in malnourished children and people with reduced immunity, measles can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infection and pneumonia. Measles can be prevented by immunization.

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