The Disease Prevention and Control Center of Latvia is prepared to declare the measles outbreak over if no new related cases of infection appear by May 17. Meanwhile, experts remind that the vaccination rate in the country still remains below the safe threshold.
In Latvia, the measles outbreak that has caused dozens of infections and extensive epidemiological surveillance may officially conclude in the coming days.
According to the Disease Prevention and Control Center (DPCC), if no new cases related to the current outbreak are registered by May 17, the spread of the infection can be considered halted.
The DPCC explains that epidemiological surveillance is ongoing, and each case of measles is thoroughly investigated with the implementation of infection control measures.
In fact, the coming days will be crucial: the absence of new cases will indicate that the restrictions and monitoring measures have been effective.
According to the center, by April 21, there were 49 reported cases of measles during the outbreak. Most of the infected individuals are children and adolescents aged six to 15.
A significant portion of the cases is linked to the Riga Waldorf School.
However, the scope of the epidemiological investigation has extended far beyond the schools themselves. Contacts had to be traced not only within educational institutions but also within families, public places, transport, and even on international routes.
Contacts were advised to monitor for symptoms, self-isolate if necessary, and check their vaccination status.
This serves as an important reminder of how quickly measles can spread: the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and is considered one of the most contagious infectious diseases.
The DPCC emphasizes that one can become infected even two hours after an infected person has left a room.
Experts identify vaccination as the only reliable protection.
This is where Latvia faces a challenge. According to the center, the vaccination rate for children against measles is currently below the necessary 95%, which is considered the threshold for herd immunity.
This means that even after the current outbreak ends, the risk of new cases will not completely disappear.
In recent years, new outbreaks of measles have already been recorded in various European countries against the backdrop of declining vaccination coverage.
Now, the DPCC hopes that the current situation will serve as an additional reason for some parents to check their children's vaccinations and their own vaccination status.
