Compared to last year, this year we have an increase in the cases of measles. Last year, 554 cases were recorded throughout the year, this year, 547 cases—until August 20. Stepan Atoyan, Director General of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, announced this at the press conference held Wednesday at the Ministry of Health of Armenia.

According to him, measles is a controllable disease, and the most effective fight against it is to carry out the appropriate vaccinations.

"We are trying to increase vaccination indicators as much as possible. Thanks to the implemented work, compared to the previous year, we have a 1.8 percent decrease in the number of unvaccinated people and a 2.9 percent decrease in the number of incompletely vaccinated people," Atoyan added.

He noted that considering the upcoming start of the new school year, if the vaccinations are not carried out properly, then an increase in the number of cases of measles will be observed.

"Infectious diseases have a certain epidemiological frequency, and every 4-7 years there is an increase in the number of cases. The same applies to measles. This year we also have an increase in the number of whooping cough cases [in Armenia]. In 2023, 50 cases were registered, but this year, until August 1, we already have 98 cases. Moreover, the vast majority are under the age of 18. Children of preschool age make up a large part as well," said the director general of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to him, during the last fourteen days, 229 cases of COVID 19 were recorded in Armenia, and this number is up compared to the same period last year.

"In the last seven days, 113 cases were recorded [in Armenia], which also is a little more compared to the same period last year. The illness is controllable, and in case of the presence of appropriate vaccinations, we rule out the development of the illness," said Stepan Atoyan.