Measles returns as vaccination rates decline, most deaths among unvaccinated adolescent children: WHO, CDC

WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning against the re-emergence of measles, an infectious disease that has been eliminated in several countries. In 2023, approximately 10.3 million cases were reported, an alarming escalate of 20% compared to the previous year.

Officials are raising concerns as the number of preventable infections continues to rise due to falling vaccination rates. Vaccination rates of 95% or higher with two doses are needed to prevent community outbreaks.

Last year, it was estimated that more than 22 million children did not receive the first dose of the measles vaccine. Although children are recommended to take two doses for full protection, only 74% received the recommended second dose.

Due to gaps in vaccination coverage, 57 countries experienced huge or burdensome measles outbreaks in 2023, a 60% escalate from 36 countries the previous year.

“The number of measles infections is increasing around the world, threatening life and health. The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to expand access,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in a statement. press release.

Novel estimates also show that around 107,500 people died from measles worldwide in 2023, with most of the victims being unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under 5 years of age.

“The measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the last 50 years. “To save even more lives and prevent this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in vaccinating every person, no matter where they live,” she said. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.

Even in people who survive the infection, there is a earnest risk of complications such as blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis. The risk of such complications occurs especially in infants and adolescent children.

Amid the rising number of cases, WHO is calling for “urgent and targeted efforts” in breakable and conflict areas, especially in African and eastern Mediterranean regions, to fully immunize all children with two doses of measles vaccine.

By the end of 2023, 82 countries had eliminated measles, and Brazil was recently re-declared measles-free, making the WHO Region of the Americas once again free of endemic measles. “As measles cases escalate and outbreaks intensify, the global elimination target set out in the 2030 Vaccine Agenda is at risk,” the WHO press release said.