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Infectious disease outbreaks in Kosovo

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-01 15:17 UTC → 2026-09-03 21:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Kosovo has experienced a rise in infectious disease cases among young children, specifically involving whooping cough and measles. In late July 2026, the National Institute of Public Health confirmed 78 cases of whooping cough. The outbreak affected preschool institutions and resulted in the hospitalization of seventeen children, many aged one to two years. The Coalition of NGOs for the Protection of Children (KOMF) urged the enforcement of mandatory vaccination proof for preschool enrollment. By late August 2026, the measles outbreak continued to expand. The National Institute of Public Health (IKSHPK) reported 147 confirmed cases between April 16 and August 24, 2026, a figure that represents more than double the total cases recorded during all of 2025. The highest concentration of infections is in Prishtina with 49 cases, followed by Fushë-Kosova with 35, Ferizaj with 13, and Obiliq with 9. As of August 30, 2026, the number of confirmed measles cases has risen to 151, including four new cases reported in the final week of August. Data indicates that over 95% of these cases occurred in individuals who had not received the MMR vaccine. In ~~response, Kosovo has intensified catch-up~~ early September 2026, Health Minister Sasho Klekovski warned of rising risks as measles vaccination ~~programs, reaching approximately 2,500 children aged 2 to 5 years this year. Medical professionals, including Dr. Florina Grezda,~~ rates among students have ~~issued urgent appeals for increased vaccination~~ fallen to ~~prevent severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Data indicates~~ 62%, significantly below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. Klekovski noted that ~~many affected children, particularly those aged 1~~ while information campaigns are underway, there is “strong resistance to ~~2, were unvaccinated.~~ vaccination in certain urban areas,” with a concerning trend where more developed areas with higher education levels show lower vaccination rates compared to less developed regions.

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