ULAN BATOR, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The total number of measles cases in Mongolia rose to 14,400 on Thursday after 11 new cases were confirmed nationwide over the past 24 hours, the country's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) said.
Nine of the newly confirmed cases were reported in the capital, Ulan Bator, which is home to more than half of the country's 3.5 million population, according to the NCCD.
A total of 15 measles-related deaths have been reported nationwide since the current outbreak was declared 392 days ago, the center said.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact. It can be prevented through immunization. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes.
There is no specific treatment for measles, and most people recover within two to three weeks.
The center also urged those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so to protect themselves and others. ■
