ULAN BATOR, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The number of measles cases in Mongolia continues to increase, the country's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) said on Tuesday.
Over the past 24 hours, 33 new cases have been reported across the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 14,498, according to the NCCD.
Nearly half of all reported cases have been recorded in Ulan Bator, the national capital, which is home to about half of Mongolia's population, said the center.
A total of 15 measles-related deaths have been reported nationwide since the current outbreak was declared 401 days ago.
The NCCD urged individuals who have not yet been vaccinated to get immunized in order to protect themselves and others.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact.
Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat and inflamed eyes. The disease is preventable through vaccination. ■
