Measles Outbreak in Bulgaria Surpasses 100 Cases, Majority are Children

Health authorities in Bulgaria report a total of 101 confirmed measles cases across the country, according to data from the Ministry of Health. The outbreak has been recorded in five different regions, with the highest concentration of infections in Vratsa, followed by several other affected areas.

The regional breakdown shows 80 cases in Vratsa, 12 in Pleven, six in Lovech, two in Sofia city, and one in Sofia region. Officials note that the outbreak is not evenly distributed, with Vratsa accounting for the overwhelming majority of infections.

Children represent the vast majority of those infected. Authorities say 89% of patients are minors, while 11 adults, aged between 19 and 53, have also contracted the disease. Health officials also report that more than half of all patients were not vaccinated, while the immunization status of seven individuals remains unknown. The rest have documented vaccination histories.

In response to the outbreak, more than 13,000 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have been administered since the beginning of the spread. The highest vaccination uptake has been recorded in Sofia city with 2,291 doses, followed by Plovdiv with 1,243, Burgas with 1,045, and Vratsa with 768.

Authorities are also warning of increased risk ahead of the upcoming holiday period, stressing the highly contagious nature of the virus. The Ministry of Health urges caution, stating that “the causative agent of measles is highly contagious” and advising the public to avoid contact with infected individuals in order to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly for those who are unvaccinated or have not previously contracted the disease.