Slovak chief hygienist warns of measles epidemic

BRATISLAVA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A measles epidemic could arise in Slovakia, the country's chief hygienist Jan Mikas warned at a press conference on Wednesday.

"Nationwide vaccination rate in recent years has fallen from 99 to around 95 percent and this is a problem," said Mikas. He noted that a spread of measles to Slovakia from countries such as Romania, Austria, Germany, Italy and Belgium is possible.

"It is clear that the virus is circulating in the European population," said Mikas, who pointed out that despite the fact that Slovakia has not recorded a single case of measles domestic or imported for years, there's favorable epidemiological situation currently in Slovakia.

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. There is no cure, but a vaccine has been available since the 1960s.

In 2000, the disease killed more than 700,000 people worldwide, but by 2010 that number had decreased to 160,000 because of better preventative measures.

Measles vaccination in Slovakia began in 1969, and is part of the compulsory vaccination of children between 15 and 18 months of age. Revaccination is performed at the age of 11.