Doctor explained who contracts measles in Belarus
Around 50% of people who contracted measles in Belarus in 2025 did not have a vaccination against this infection or confirmation of protective antibodies. This was reported by Kirill Ignatov, head of the immunoprophylaxis department of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health.
Illustrative photo. Photo: magnific.com
According to Kirill Ignatov, the situation with infectious diseases in the country remains under control thanks to vaccination. In 2025, no cases of diphtheria, rubella, or tetanus were registered in Belarus. Measles cases were recorded, but their number was 12 times lower than in 2024.
Approximately half of measles cases in 2025 were associated with the import of the infection from abroad. Most often, adults aged 30 to 49 years fell ill — they accounted for about half of all cases.
In the first five months of 2026, measles cases were registered in the Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, and Mogilev regions. As last year, about half of those who fell ill did not have confirmation of vaccination.
Experts emphasize that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. All vaccinations included in the national vaccination calendar are designed to protect the population both within the country and during trips abroad.