186 measles cases in Kosovo, NIPHK calls for vaccination

The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) called for the vaccination of children, describing it as the most important and most effective measure for protection against measles and other diseases.

According to NIPHK data, from April 16 to October 4, 2026, 186 measles cases have been confirmed, while six new cases were registered in the last week alone.

More than 95 percent of the confirmed cases belong to people unvaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

“For this reason, in addition to regular vaccination according to the national calendar, NIPHK has also intensified catch-up vaccination for children who for various reasons have postponed it. As a result of this campaign, over 3,176 children in the 2–5 age group have been vaccinated this year, confirming parents’ high awareness and commitment to ensuring their children’s health.

NIPHK highly values the contribution of parents, health professionals, institutions and citizens to raising the vaccination rate. Every vaccinated child is one more life protected and a step closer to definitively stopping the spread of measles,” the statement of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo says.