Restrictions have been introduced in the Carpathian region due to a measles outbreak: some schools have switched to distance learning.

In the Ivano-Frankivsk region, restrictions have been imposed in schools and communities due to a rise in measles cases.

The corresponding decision was made by the regional commission on emergency situations and safety, with the participation of the region’s chief sanitary doctor, Ruslan Savchuk .

According to the regional center for disease control and prevention, 68 suspected cases of measles have been recorded in the region since the beginning of the year, 62 of which have already been laboratory-confirmed. The vast majority of these cases are children.

The highest number of cases was detected in the Delyatyn community , with outbreaks also reported in the Pasichnia, Pereryslia, Nadvirnia, Yaremche, and Polyanytsia communities. Due to the rapid spread of the virus in educational institutions, some schools have already switched to distance learning.

The Commission took the following measures:

• In schools where two or more cases of measles have been recorded, distance learning is introduced to stabilize the situation;
• children without vaccinations are restricted from attending organized groups;
• Mass events involving children are temporarily prohibited.

According to Savchuk, the measles incubation period can last up to 21 days, so it’s important to promptly identify patients and take preventative measures. Vaccination remains the most effective method of protection.

Measles is spread through the air—through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, and an infected person can infect others for up to four days before and for up to four days after the rash appears. The main symptoms include high fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis.