The Institute said on Friday reports of an outbreak were unfounded and warned that inaccurate information could cause unnecessary panic.

Public Health Institute called on parents to adhere to the national immunisation schedule and ensure their children are vaccinated on time, stressing that vaccination remains the safest and most effective measure to prevent infectious diseases.

It said it would continue to inform the public in a transparent and responsible manner on any developments related to public health.

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The child, unvaccinated and showing a high fever, was first admitted to the Pediatric Hospital on December 22. The case was investigated and monitored by the Institute of Public Health (ISHP), which confirmed the diagnosis. Out of two symptomatic cases reported, only one was confirmed as measles.

Prof. Dorina Toçi, Director General of ISHP, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that the situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm. She noted that confirmed measles cases have occurred in Albania in recent years, with fewer cases reported in 2025 than previously.

Socialist Party MP Erjon Braçe urged parents to follow the vaccination schedule and warned against anti-vaccine messages circulating in media and social networks. He said interruptions in childhood vaccination schedules, exacerbated by the pandemic and anti-vaccine campaigns, are raising concerns.

Earlier this year, a measles outbreak in Fier affected 10 children aged 4–9, while three additional cases were reported in Vaun e Dejës, Lezhë, and Tirana. ISHP confirmed a total of 12 cases, all unvaccinated. Nationwide, first-dose measles vaccination coverage fell to 73%, while two-dose coverage reached 87%.

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Doctor Jonida Diko, a doctor at medical center number 10, told ATA that, “During January, 256 children received the MMR vaccine against measles.”

“During February, so far, a total of 45 children have been vaccinated with the MMR measles vaccine,” said Diko.

According to her, the routes of transmission are when the person affected by measles coughs, sneezes or talks, the infected microbes that are released into the air by him can infect other people around.

“One of the ways of transmission are contaminated surfaces: tables, chairs, doors, etc., remaining active and risk of infection in case of contact for up to 2 hours. So, you can get infected with this virus if you touch these contaminated surfaces with your fingers and then put them in your mouth, nose or rub your eyes”, added doctor Diko.

Doctor Diko appeals to parents to protect their children by vaccinating them against measles.

“Measles can become a serious disease if not vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. You have the power to protect your child”, said Diko. /k.s/p.s./

Health Minister Koçiu, accompanied by the Mayor of Kurbin Majlinda Shqalsi Cara, visited the newly-built hospital in the town of Laç, north-western Albania, which was constructed from scratch after the previous building was razed down after the damages it sustained in the devastating earthquake in November 2019.

More than 80,000 local residents will now receive health care in totally transformed hospital premises, recently equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

As many as 11 specialty doctors have joined this hospital’s staff and they joined Health Minister to issue appeal for regular vaccination of the population against measles.

“It is important that we convey a message about the measles vaccine amid the growing number of reported cases most recently. The vaccine has been included in the national vaccination calendar and given that it is a vaccine providing 100% protection against measles. It is a must and my appeal is addressed to the parents: vaccine your children for a safer and healthier life. The vaccine is provided for free at every health care centre throughout the country,” Health Minister said.

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