Cyprus, Nicosia

Pediatricians in TRNC are concerned about the measles outbreak in Europe: they urge examination of foreigners

18.03.2024 / 12:42

The Pediatric Institute of Turkish Cypriots issued a statement regarding the increase in the number of measles cases reported in children in Europe and neighboring countries. Doctors urge the authorities of the country to take precautionary measures against the possible importation of the disease to Northern Cyprus.

According to the statement by pediatricians, the increase in the number of measles cases among young children registered in the past few days in nearby regions and neighboring countries is causing concern.

Doctors remind that the most reliable way to protect against measles infection is vaccination. In accordance with the recommendation of the Ministry of Health of TRNC, children are advised to be vaccinated against measles twice - at the age of one year and four years. Foreign citizens are of particular concern to physicians.

"In order to prevent the emergence of measles infection in our country, it is necessary to strengthen control mechanisms and conduct necessary medical examinations of the population arriving from abroad. We invite all relevant parties to conduct research on this issue to have accurate information about the vaccination status of the foreign population in our country," the doctors urge.

Pediatricians added that "collaboration, coordination, and prompt action are crucial for public health protection against the threat of a potential measles epidemic."

"Timely protective measures taken by the relevant authorities to increase public awareness and determine the vaccination status of foreign nationals entering the country are vital to prevent the recurrence of similar situations in our country," the statement concludes from the Pediatric Institute.