Measles outbreak in Ukraine is only a matter of time.

Around this time two years ago, Ukraine was experiencing a polio outbreak. Rivne oblast was actually part of the epicenter of the outbreak. They were set to start a polio vaccination campaign right as the Russian invasion occurred. Through sheer effort and mobilization, the outbreak was miraculously contained and we haven't had a polio case in the country since. The outbreak was officially closed this past fall.

However, the invasion has disrupted Ukraine's health systems significantly. Vaccination rates which were already low due to vaccine hesitancy have suffered from the disruption of the war and displacement of the population.

Ukraine had 51 measles cases in 2023. Measles is unfortunately endemic in the country due to low vaccination rates. Fortunately a major measles outbreak has not occurred in recent years, but it is likely only a matter of time. Neighboring Romania is dealing with a major measles outbreak at the moment, and it could very well spread.

And there have been reports of disease outbreaks in the occupied territories and among Russian troops. War is a perfect breeding ground for disease especially as basic sanitation is impacted and routine vaccinations are missed.