The Turkistan region reports 47 confirmed measles cases in the first half of 2026, highlighting ongoing vaccination challenges as authorities ramp up immunisation efforts to curb the outbreak.
Turkistan region in south-eastern Kazakhstan reported 47 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the first half of 2026, according to Qazinform, adding to broader concern about the disease’s spread across the country. Health officials also recorded 27 additional suspected cases during the same period, while hepatitis A remained another local public-health issue.
The regional distribution was uneven. Sairam district accounted for the largest share with 14 infections, followed by Turkistan city with 11. Sauran and Tulkubas districts each logged eight cases. Officials said 57.4% of patients, or 27 people, had not been vaccinated.
In response, the regional sanitary-epidemiological department organised additional mass immunisation for more than 30,000 children aged six to 10 months and two to four years. The aim was to strengthen protection among the youngest children, who are among the most vulnerable to measles complications.
The region also reported 25 cases of hepatitis A, with schoolchildren making up 75% of patients. The figures come as Kazakhstan continues to battle a wider measles resurgence. The Ministry of Health said in February that the country had already logged more than 3,300 cases since the start of the year, with unvaccinated children making up most infections. Government officials later said the national total had eased compared with 2024, but stressed that the situation remained volatile and required close monitoring.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
