ULAN BATOR, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The total number of measles cases in Mongolia rose to 15,475 on Tuesday after 15 new infections were confirmed nationwide over the past 24 hours, according to the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD).
Of the newly confirmed cases, 12 were reported in the capital city of Ulan Bator, which is home to more than half of the country's population of 3.5 million, the NCCD said.
A total of 22 measles-related deaths have been reported nationwide since the current outbreak was declared 482 days ago, according to the center.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals. The disease can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, although most patients recover within two to three weeks.
The NCCD urged individuals who have not yet been vaccinated to receive the measles vaccine in order to protect themselves and help prevent further transmission of the disease. ■
