Measles cases climb to 463 in Bulgaria

The confirmed measles cases in Bulgaria has reached 463 since the first case was reported in February, the country's Ministry of Health said in a statement on Monday.

This is the highest number recorded in nine years.

The highly contagious disease mainly affected Sofia Region, Blagoevgrad Region and Sofia city with 165 cases, 136 cases and 134 cases respectively, said the statement.

In order to curb the spread of the disease, a national coordination council for the control of measles has been established, the statement said.

The ministry also called on all parents to check the immunization status of their children and solve the problem if there is any, the statement said.

Vaccination against measles is mandatory in Bulgaria from the age of 13 months, with subsequent reimmunization at 12 years of age.

According to official data, Bulgaria confirmed 13 measles cases in 2018, 165 in 2017, only one case in 2016, zero in 2015 and 2014, 14 cases in 2013, one in 2012, 157 in 2011 and 22,004 in 2010.