TIRANA, Dec 29 /ATA/ Following the latest measles case, confirmed on December 22 at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center, Rovena Daja, head of the vaccination program at the PHI, spoke to the media today.
Daja said that during 2025, 18 cases of measles were confirmed in Albania.
“Most of the cases belong to the pediatric age group 0–14 years, while only one case was registered in an adult. All cases have displayed clinical signs of measles and have been hospitalized due to their health condition. The analysis of the vaccination status shows that 89% of them are unvaccinated or have only received one dose of vaccine, a fact that once again confirms the crucial role of vaccination and especially full vaccination in preventing the disease,” said Daja.
Daja mentioned that this year, the rise in measles cases has primarily been seen in Fier, particularly in a kindergarten with unvaccinated children, as well as in Tirana.
While Daja noted that the number of cases in 2025 is lower compared to the previous year, he also highlighted that the ongoing circulation of measles cases is linked to a drop in vaccination rates, especially for the first dose, increasing the risk of potential outbreaks.
“Daja repeats once again the appeal to parents to vaccinate their children against measles, as this remains the only safe way to ensure their protection.
“Data from 2017 to 2024 show that the vaccination coverage with two doses for 5-year-olds has remained relatively stable at 92%, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a 95% coverage with two doses is required for the elimination of measles.”
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