Measles Cases Rise to 66 in Bulgaria as Sofia Records First Infection

Health authorities have reported a total of 66 confirmed measles cases in Bulgaria, with the first infection now recorded in Sofia, according to data published on the Ministry of Health’s epidemic monitoring platform.

Within the first two days of April alone, 14 new infections were registered. All newly confirmed cases involve children aged between 0 and 15 years.

The geographical distribution shows 1 case in Sofia city, 1 in the Sofia region, and 12 in the Vratsa area. The largest cluster is in the municipality of Byala Slatina with 11 cases, while one additional infection has been identified in Kozloduy municipality.

Medical specialists are warning that vaccination levels below the 95% threshold create conditions where an outbreak becomes significantly more likely.

Children under 13 months remain the most vulnerable group, as they have not yet received the first dose of the measles vaccine. Although some infants retain temporary immunity from maternal antibodies, this protection declines relatively quickly after birth.

The standard immunization schedule includes two doses: the first is administered at 13 months of age, followed by a second dose at 12 years.

According to Ministry of Health data, fewer than 85% of children in the country have received both recommended doses, raising concerns among health experts about insufficient population immunity.