BUCHAREST, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Romanian Health Ministry on Friday confirmed a total of 935 cases of measles and six deaths from the disease, a press release from the ministry said.
Measles cases have been recorded in 29 of Romania's 41 counties, as well as in the capital city, said the release.
In 2015, there were only seven cases of measles in the country.
"Most cases represent outbreaks in communities with low vaccination coverage," said the ministry, adding that "the recommendation in the current epidemiological context is to intensify activities for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination of children incompletely vaccinated or not immunized at all."
As many as 3,049 children aged from one to 15 have been included in a catch-up vaccination schedule, according to the ministry.
Measles is a highly contagious infection. Initial signs and symptoms typically include fever -- often greater than 40 degrees Celcius -- cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. Complications occur in about 30 percent of cases and may include diarrhea, blindness, inflammation of the brain, and pneumonia, among others.
Measles affects about 20 million people worldwide per year,and the MMR vaccine is effective at preventing the disease.
