In a follow-up on the measles situation in Poland, health officials reported a five-fold increase in measles cases in 2018, according to local media (computer translated). 

Image/Robfoto via pixabay
Image/Robfoto via pixabay

According to Jan Bodnar, spokesperson for the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS), Poland recorded 339 measles cases in 2018, a significant increase from the 63 cases reported the year prior.

The bulk of the cases came in the last two months of the year.

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Bodnar notes that cases have already been reported in 2019 during the first week.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. It is spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus before they show symptoms. The virus also can linger in the air after someone who is infectious has left.

Immunization is the best protection against measles.

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