In Europe, smallpox has increased significantly – 41,000 cases, of which 37 are mortal

Photo: AFP

Berlin. The World Health Organization reported that the number of cases of smallpox in Europe had increased significantly in the first six months of 2018 and that at least 37 people died in this period of the disease, Fox News.

The European office of the WHO reported that 41,000 cases of the disease were reported on the continent in the first half of this year. The previous record was recorded in 2017 with 23,927 cases. During the first six months of 2016, there were 5,273 cases.
The agency reported that about half of the cases – 23,000 were seen in Ukraine. France, Georgia, Italy, Greece, Russia and Serbia are also countries with more than 1,000 registered cases for the first half of the year.
Smallpox, also known as measles, one of the most contagious diseases in the world, is transmitted by air shed. It can be prevented by vaccination, but doctors indicate that at least 95% of the population must be immunized to prevent outbreaks.
The skepticism of the vaccine remains high in many parts of Europe. The authorities in Italy recently adopted a law on compulsory vaccination of children against measles and other communicable diseases in children. Romania has also adopted similar legislation.
Translation and editing: Victor Turmakov

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