Epidemiological features of measles infection in Osh, Kyrgyz Republic

Measles remains a global epidemiological problem, which is associated with an increase in the incidence and mortality of this infection worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the ten countries most affected by measles. The aim of the study is to evaluate the epidemiological features of measles incidence in Osh city and identify the factors influencing the formation of the epidemic process and the effectiveness of preventive measures. A retrospective analysis of the incidence of measles in the city of Osh in the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2009–2024 was carried out. The presence of long — term and intraannual cyclical morbidity was revealed, the characteristics of the last rise in measles incidence in 2023–2025 were determined. It has been shown that the main risk group for morbidity is children of younger age groups who have not been vaccinated against measles. An analysis of measles vaccination and revaccination coverage for children at prescribed ages has found that the increase in measles incidence is facilitated by a decrease in the coverage of routine vaccination of children against this infection. The steady increase in vaccination refusals in recent years has become one of the key problems in the field of public health in Osh, Kyrgyz Republic. A similar situation is typical for other regions and States and can be adjusted by implementing a set of measures to restore routine immunization coverage, including catch-up vaccination, increased epidemiological surveillance of this infection and awareness-raising among the population.