Many of the children who died were from areas that did not have access to mobile vaccinators or public health workers.

An official confirmed Sunday that at least 74 children were killed by measles after an outbreak in Badakhshan province, Afghanistan’s northern province.

“There were pockets of measles cases in several Badakhshan district, including Kuf Ab and Darwaz, Kohistan, as well as the provincial capital Faizabad city, its outskirts, in the past two month. Maazudin Ahmadi of the provincial Information and Culture Directorate said that at least 74 children were killed by the disease in Kuf Ab and Kohistan.

Many of the children who died were from areas that did not have access to mobile vaccinators or public health workers.

Provincial health officials repeatedly urged the public to be vigilant and to visit the nearest health center if children have symptoms such as fever, conjunctivitis or generalized rash.

Local officials claim that there has been an increase in measles cases, especially in the mountains of the northeast.