11 Measles Cases in Sarajevo: Two Vaccination Points Opening at Vrazova and Saraj Polje Health Centers

(Patria) - Sarajevo Canton Health Minister Enis Hasanović today organized another meeting with representatives of the KS Public Health Institute, JU Sarajevo Canton Health Center, KS Emergency Medical Service Institute, General Hospital "Prim.dr. Abdulah Nakaš" and the University Clinical Center Sarajevo, due to the appearance of suspected measles cases.

Conclusions were reached at the meeting with the aim of proactive action, vaccinating as many children as possible, and preventing the spread of the disease.

The conclusions from this meeting are as follows:

1. Starting tomorrow, two special vaccination points will be established at the Vrazova Health Center and the Saraj Polje Health Center, where healthy children will be vaccinated without prior notice or appointment, every day in two shifts.

2. All school and preschool dispensaries, as well as other health centers with enough pediatricians and where healthy children can be separated from sick children, will continue to provide vaccinations.

3. All residents from the General Hospital, KCUS, and other healthcare institutions who will join the vaccination teams at the Health Center, as well as pediatricians returning from vacation and retired doctors, have been invited, all with the aim of vaccinating as many children as possible and preventing the spread of the disease.

4. The possibility of engaging pediatricians from private practices for child examinations was considered.

5. It is advised to avoid mass gatherings, visits to shopping malls, playrooms, and organized birthday parties.

6. The KS Public Health Institute will inform the public and healthcare institutions daily about the number of vaccinated patients.

Minister Hasanović stated that the number of measles cases in the Sarajevo Canton is increasing, but the situation is currently under control.

"So far, we have 11 confirmed cases, and we are not yet in an epidemic phase. One child was hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of KCUS and was discharged today. Two other children admitted today have a milder clinical picture," said Minister Hasanović, who urged parents to bring their children for vaccination in as large numbers as possible.

"This is happening to us exclusively because children are not vaccinated. It is shameful that in a European city in the 21st century, we are facing a threat of an epidemic that could be prevented. Our priority is to prevent the spread and vaccinate as many children as possible, therefore I call on parents to respond en masse and vaccinate their children," added Minister Hasanović.

The meeting was also attended by the president of the Association of Pediatricians of FBiH, Prof. Dr. Hajrija Maksić.