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Measles increased significantly around the world in 2019, according to a press release from the World Health Organization (WHO), released on Thursday, November 12. The number of cases identified has reached its highest level in 23 years. The publication of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that in 2019 there were nearly 900,000 measles cases worldwide, the highest level since 1996, with the increase that occurs in all WHO regions.
The number of measles deaths worldwide has increased by nearly 50% since 2016, with more than 200,000 people dying from the disease in 2019 alone, according to estimates.
As a result of steady progress made globally between 2010 and 2016, the number of recorded measles cases has gradually increased to reach the level of 2019.
Comparing the data from 2019 with the historically low number of cases in 2016, the authors explain that this increase in the number of cases and deaths is mainly due to insufficient vaccination of children, who must receive 2 doses of vaccine in time (MCV1 and MCV2). .
“We know how to prevent measles outbreaks and the resulting deaths,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “These data clearly show that in all parts of the world we are unable to protect children from measles. We must act together to help countries and inspire communities to immunize everyone, everywhere, against measles and stop this deadly virus, “according to the report.
Measles outbreaks occur when people who are not immune to the virus become infected and transmit the disease to unvaccinated or insufficiently vaccinated populations.
To combat measles and prevent disease outbreaks and deaths, coverage rates for the first and second vaccine doses must reach 95% and be supported nationally and subnationally.
Although the number of reported measles cases is lower in 2020, efforts to combat COVID-19 have halted vaccinations and hampered efforts to prevent and reduce measles outbreaks.
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