AKIPRESS.COM - The National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) has reported that the number of confirmed measles cases has risen to 479, with more than 10,000 individuals identified as close contacts, GoGo reported.

Measles is a highly contagious, but vaccine preventable disease. Health officials have noted that current outbreaks are primarily concentrated in secondary schools, putting students, teachers, and nearby residents at elevated risk.

To prevent further spread, the NCCD is urging parents, school staff, and the general public, especially those in close contact with school-aged children to ensure they are vaccinated against measles.