Measles in Armenia: Is There a Need to Close Preschools and Schools?

To prevent further spread of registered measles cases, a number of measures are being implemented, particularly early detection of contacts and suspected cases, imposing medical supervision over them, and conducting vaccinations based on epidemiological indications. Furthermore, considering the current epidemiological situation regarding measles in Armenia, the Ministries of Health and Education are implementing an 'epidemiological filter' in preschool and general education institutions to exclude children's entry when symptoms characteristic of measles, particularly rash, are present.

This was reported by the Ministry of Health in response to a written inquiry from 'Factinfo,' emphasizing that at this time, there is no need to close preschool and school institutions. 'Due to the anti-epidemic measures taken, the local outbreak has been localized and shows signs of decline,' they conveyed from the Ministry of Health.

According to the health department, there have been no local cases of measles recorded in Armenia since 2007. However, cases brought from other countries are regularly registered, mainly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals. From 2020 to 2022, no cases were reported; in 2019, there were 7 cases, in 2018, 19 cases, in 2017, 1 case, in 2016, 2 cases, and in 2015, 33 cases.

'Armenia has been considered a country with eliminated measles status since 2007, meaning that there has been no local circulation of the measles virus in the country since then, including during the last 12 months. The current local outbreak is related to an imported case. All registered cases are epidemiologically linked to the imported case, meaning they are not independent cases,' explained the ministry.

When asked how and where non-hospitalized patients are isolated, the Ministry of Health responded, 'Non-hospitalized patients are advised to self-isolate at home while establishing daily medical supervision.' The health department also informed 'Factinfo' that the hospitalized children are under 16 years of age.