The number of confirmed measles cases in Armenia has risen to 12 cases, and all of the patients are reportedly hospitalized and in serious condition, according to information released on Saturday by the Armenian Health Ministry.

At 11:00 am local time, Armenian MoH reported in a statement that laboratories have confirmed 12 cases of measles.  

The statement demanded that vulnerable people take the necessary precautions to contain the contagion. Specifically, those who had contact with sick patients without receiving at least two doses of the vaccine for measles, as well as children who have not had their scheduled measles vaccinations.

Measles is a viral respiratory disease. Symptoms of infection typically appear 10-12 days after being exposed to the sick person, and they are reported to last for up to 10 days. Some of the early symptoms are fever (rising above 40 degrees Celsius), coughing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. 

Read more: Turkey, Armenia agree to accelerate normalization of relations