Worldwide Measles Cases See Sharp Increase in One Year, Study Shows
A recent study reveals a significant rise in global measles cases from 2022 to 2023, posing a threat to the ongoing efforts to eliminate measles in various nations.
The number of measles cases worldwide almost doubled from 2022 to 2023, posing a challenge to the goal of eliminating the disease in many countries.
Dr. Patrick O’Connor from the World Health Organization reported that there were 171,153 cases globally in 2022. He presented this data at the ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona. For 2023, provisional data indicates a total of 321,582 cases, and there have been over 94,000 cases recorded so far in 2024, although the actual number is likely higher.
In this photo illustration, you can see a 10-pack and one-dose bottles of the measles, mumps, and rubella virus vaccine made by MERCK. This image was taken at the Salt Lake County Health Department in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 26, 2019.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 26: In this photo illustration a 10 pack and one dose bottles of measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine, made by MERCK, sits on a counter at the Salt Lake County Health Department on April 26, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo Illustration by George Frey/Getty Images)
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The mother of a child in Chicago who had measles described it as "one of the scarier moments of my life."
Almost half of the cases this year have been reported in the World Health Organization's European Region, with the highest number of cases in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Yemen.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 128 measles cases in 20 jurisdictions this year, the highest number since 2019.
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, which means the disease was not spreading within the country. New cases only occurred when someone contracted measles abroad and returned. However, the significant increase in cases this year is putting the country's disease elimination status at risk.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can have serious health consequences, especially for young children who have not been vaccinated.
Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash of red spots. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals in the US who contract measles will require hospitalization. Additionally, 1 in every 20 children with measles may develop pneumonia, while others could experience a dangerous brain swelling known as encephalitis. Tragically, up to 3 out of every 1,000 children infected with measles may die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
"Immune amnesia" can also occur as a result, increasing the likelihood of contracting other infections for a prolonged period of time.
According to O'Connor, measles vaccination has been responsible for preventing approximately 57 million deaths from 2000 to 2022.
In the US, children are recommended by the CDC to receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age. The second shot is given between 4 and 6 years of age.
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The vaccine is known to be highly effective. A single dose offers 93% protection against measles, while two doses provide 97% protection. Although vaccinated individuals can still fall ill, it is uncommon, and the illness is usually less severe.
The US has aimed for a vaccination rate of 95%, but the coverage among kindergarteners has fallen below that goal in recent years. In the 2022-23 school year, only 93.1% of kindergarteners in the US had finished their MMR vaccine series, leaving approximately 250,000 children at risk.
Measles is a significant issue, especially in conflict-affected and fragile countries, as highlighted by O’Connor in his presentation on Saturday. He mentioned that about 45% of outbreaks occur in these regions, making measles a crisis among many other crises.
Significant progress has been made in the last 20 years towards eliminating measles and rubella. It is important to maintain these gains by ensuring high, consistent, and fair routine immunization coverage, as well as having strong outreach and quick response to outbreaks.
Editor's P/S:
The resurgence of measles cases worldwide is a sobering reminder of the importance of vaccination. The highly contagious disease, which can have devastating consequences for unvaccinated individuals, has seen a sharp increase in cases in recent years, posing a threat to the goal of eliminating the disease in many countries. The article highlights the need for continued vigilance and efforts to ensure high vaccination coverage rates, especially in conflict-affected and fragile regions where outbreaks are more common.
It is concerning that the vaccination rate among kindergarteners in the US has fallen below the target of 95%, leaving a significant number of children at risk. The article emphasizes the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, which provides high protection against measles and other preventable diseases. It is crucial that parents and healthcare providers prioritize vaccination for children to protect them from the potentially severe complications of measles and to contribute to the goal of eliminating the disease.
