PRISTINA, Kosovo — Measles has affected 112 children across Kosovo as of August 10, according to data from the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK), prompting renewed calls from health professionals for parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
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| A public health and vaccination center in Kosovo. Health authorities urge parents to vaccinate their children following 112 reported measles cases across the country. |
Doctor Warns of Rapid Spread and Serious Complications
Speaking to Ekonomia Online, Grezda said children diagnosed with measles should be reported to the Infectious Diseases Clinic and treated under the supervision of infectious disease specialists.
She warned that declining vaccination rates can create the conditions for outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases.
“Measles is a very dangerous viral disease. It spreads very quickly,” Grezda said, stressing the importance of vaccination in protecting children.
According to the doctor, measles can sometimes pass without serious consequences, but it can also lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, hearing damage, serious eye infections and inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis.
The increase from the first reported cases in April to 112 cases by August highlights the speed at which the disease can spread among susceptible populations.
Thousands of Children Vaccinated in Pristina
Grezda said vaccination efforts have intensified in Pristina during 2026.
According to figures from the vaccination department she cited, approximately 2,500 children aged between one and five had been vaccinated from January through August.
A further 2,890 preschool-age children, aged approximately five to seven, had received measles vaccination before entering first grade.
Another 3,140 children who had completed first grade were also vaccinated, according to the figures provided by Grezda.
Health workers have also been contacting parents directly to identify children who are missing recommended vaccinations.
“We have entered the records and checked which children are missing the vaccine,” Grezda said, explaining that nurses have been assigned to call parents and encourage them to bring their children to vaccination centers.
Doctor Rejects Claim Linking Measles Vaccine to Autism
Grezda also addressed misinformation circulating on social media claiming that the measles vaccine is linked to autism.
She said there is no established scientific evidence that the measles vaccine causes autism, describing the perceived connection as a coincidence related to the age at which the vaccine is administered and the age when signs of autism may first become noticeable.
The World Health Organization has likewise stated that extensive research has found no causal link between vaccines and autism.
The claim originated decades ago from a now-discredited study, which was retracted after serious methodological and ethical problems were identified.
Delayed Vaccination Can Leave Children Unprotected
Grezda emphasized that delaying vaccination can leave children vulnerable during an outbreak.
She said that after vaccination, children need time to develop protection, making timely vaccination particularly important when measles is circulating.
She urged parents whose children have not received the recommended measles vaccine to contact their nearest vaccination center or family medicine center.
“The later the vaccination, the more problematic it becomes,” Grezda said, urging parents not to delay.
With measles cases continuing to be reported in Kosovo, health authorities are now relying on both vaccination campaigns and direct communication with families to increase immunization coverage and prevent further spread.