INCREASED MEASLES MORBIDITY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE RISKS OF REFUSING IMMUNIZATION FOR THIS DISEASE

WHO warns of global revival of measles. In the Ministry of Health in Bulgaria have been reported and confirmed 223 cases of measles by 03.04.2019. Measles is an acute infectious disease characterized by common intoxication, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract mucosa, specific maculopapular rash on the skin and respiratory complications. The causative agent of measles belongs to Paramyxoviridae family, Paramyxovirus genera. Live vaccines are most widely used for active prophylaxis, derived from attenuated measles virus. In Bulgaria, it is given to children aged 13 months and reimmunization at 12 years of age. The vaccine is also used in combination with a mumps and rubella vaccine. Vaccinated individuals acquire lifetime immunity. Mass administration of the vaccine leads to a reduction in measles morbidity to single cases. Despite the increase in measles prevalence and morbidity, young people are unaware of this disease and the possible complications after illness. There is a positive attitude to vaccines, despite growing global anti-vaccination.