The Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis, under the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, has reported a concerning deterioration in the epidemiological situation regarding measles and rubella in the country since the start of 2023.

The first cases of measles and rubella emerged during the first epidemiological week in both Bishkek city and Chui regions. Subsequently, the contagion rapidly spread to Osh city and Osh region starting from the eighth epidemiological week. It has now reached a worrying extent, affecting 34 districts across five different regions. However, it's important to note that the Kyrgyz Republic government has not officially declared an outbreak at this time.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a suspected measles outbreak is defined as five or more measles cases with dates of rash onset occurring 7-21 days apart and epidemiologically linked. A laboratory-confirmed measles outbreak is defined as two or more laboratory-confirmed measles cases with temporally related rash onset dates and epidemiological or virological links, or both.

As of August 21, 2023, the reported figures are alarming. A total of 2,743 suspected cases of measles and/or rubella have been reported, with 1,774 classified as measles cases. Among these, 945 are laboratory confirmed, 323 are clinically confirmed, and 506 are epidemiologically linked cases. Measles incidence per 1 million population for the period from May 2022 to April 2023 stands at 49.47, marking it as the second-highest incidence rate in the WHO European region.

In addition to the measles outbreak, the country has reported 11 cases of rubella during the same period, from May 2022 to April 2023. This places Kyrgyz Republic as the fourth-highest in the WHO European region for rubella cases during this timeframe.

Authorities and health organizations are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to contain the spread of these highly contagious diseases. It is imperative for the public to remain vigilant, follow health guidelines, and ensure vaccination, as these measures are crucial in curbing the outbreak's progression.