Albania reports rise in measles cases amid vaccination efforts

Measles cases in Albania have seen an increase, with 151 confirmed cases reported between April 16 and August 30. According to the National Institute of Public Health, over 95% of these confirmed cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals.

To combat the spread, 8,540 children were vaccinated between January and August. This includes 2,500 children aged 1 to 5, 2,900 children aged 5 to 7, and 3,140 first-grade students receiving their second dose.

Xhevrie Canolli, head of vaccination at the Main Center of Family Medicine, emphasized that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the contagious disease. She warned that measles can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, permanent hearing loss from otitis, and encephalitis, which can be fatal.