Measles outbreak in Latvia

The Disease Prevention and Control Center of Latvia announced on the 18th that the country has experienced a measles outbreak for the first time since 2018. As of the 17th, Latvia has reported a total of 5 measles cases, with 3 confirmed. All reported cases have an epidemiological link, and at least 800 close contacts have been identified. The institution warned that there is a high risk of measles spreading, especially among unvaccinated individuals. Latvian health experts stated that measles can be prevented through vaccination. Measles is an acute rash illness caused by the measles virus, mainly spread through respiratory droplets and aerosol transmission. Infected individuals may develop symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tearing, rash, etc., within one to two weeks after exposure to the virus. In severe cases, complications like pneumonia can occur, and in extreme cases, it can lead to death.