A total of 935 cases of measles have been registered in Romania this year by October 28, 150 of which have been reported in the past month, according to the Ministry of Health.

Moreover, the Ministry also says that the infection has killed six people this year. Two deaths have been reported in the last few days in Arad county. A 27-year old woman, who was apparently HIV possitive, died at the hospital. A one-year old baby girl also died in a village near Arad. Apparently, she had a bad medical condition due to malnutrition, as she only weighed 6 kilograms.

Measles cases were reported in 30 counties, with most of them being registered in Arad county, namely 223. Mures county comes next with 190 cases registered by October 28, followed by Bistrita with 128 cases, Timis – 91, Cluj – 90, Caras-Severin – 39, Brasov – 37, Suceava – 34, Hunedoara – 18, Dolj – 15, Bihor – 13, and Salaj – 11. Only three cases were registered in Bucharest.

“Most cases are outbreaks in communities with low vaccine coverage,” reads the Ministry’s statement.

Other counties that have reported cases of measles were Harghita, Alba, Iasi, Olt, Sibiu, Bacau, Constanta, Dambovita, Neamt, Braila, Giurgiu, Mehedinti, Vaslui, Botosani, Buzau, Prahova, and Valcea.

The Health Ministry advises parents to respect the vaccination schedule, and to address family doctors for immunization.

The high number of cases could be the result of the anti-vaccination campaign that has drawn a lot of supporters among Romanian parents in recent years. Those who oppose vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella claim that the vaccine causes autism.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and runny nose. According to information posted on the World Health Organization’s website, the virus is highly contagious, spreading by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. Unvaccinated young children are at highest risk of measles and its complications, including death.

Romania sees measles outbreak due to anti-vaccination campaign

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com