Armenia registers 547 measles cases by August 20, slight decline compared to 2023

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YEREVAN, August 21. /ARKA/. As of August 20, Armenia has recorded 547 cases of measles, slightly down from the 554 cases registered in 2023, according to Stepan Atoyan, Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention under the Ministry of Health./pp

During a press conference on Wednesday, Atoyan emphasized the extensive efforts by the National Center, the Ministry of Health, and their partners to increase vaccination rates. Measles can be brought under control, and the most effective way to combat this disease is through timely vaccination, he said./pp

He warned that despite a slight decrease in cases during the summer, there could be a rise in infections if vaccination efforts are not properly implemented ahead of the new school year./pp

Atoyan also noted a 1.8% decrease in the number of unvaccinated individuals compared to last year, and a 2.9% decrease among those who have received only one dose of the vaccine./pp

In addition, Atoyan reported 98 cases of whooping cough as of August 1, up from 50 cases in 2023, primarily affecting individuals under 18 and children under 6. He assured that the situation is under control and highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease./p br br