Measles Cases in Bulgaria Rise Above 70, Most Infections Concentrated in Vratsa Region

Health authorities report that measles infections in Bulgaria have surpassed 70 confirmed cases, with a total of 73 registered as of April 3. The cases are spread across five districts: Vratsa, Lovech, Pleven, Sofia-city, and Sofia region. Vratsa district accounts for the overwhelming majority, representing about 83.5% of all reported infections.

Initial epidemiological data shows that in 61 of the cases there is a confirmed link to an already known patient, suggesting clusters of transmission rather than isolated infections. The age range of those affected spans from newborns to 48 years old, though the vast majority are children. Out of all patients, 68 are minors.

The highest infection rate is recorded among infants under one year of age, where incidence reaches 24.35 cases per 100,000 population. Health officials note that this age group is particularly vulnerable due to incomplete or absent vaccination coverage.

Vaccination status has been documented for a portion of the infected individuals. Among 28 cases with available immunization data, several had previously received at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This includes children across multiple age groups, from toddlers to adolescents and adults.

In the 1-4 age group, six infected children had received a single vaccine dose. In the 5-9 age group, ten cases were recorded among individuals also vaccinated with one dose. Among those aged 10-14, three had one dose and four had two doses. In the 15-19 age group, there were two individuals with one dose and one with two doses, while in adults over 20, one case each was recorded for single- and double-dose vaccination.

Health authorities have indicated that laboratory testing is underway to assess post-vaccination immunity among infected individuals who had received immunization. A more detailed epidemiological analysis is planned in order to better understand the effectiveness of vaccination coverage among the reported cases.