The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have reported a significant increase in measles cases in the European region last year, with an estimated 127,350 cases. This is the highest number of measles cases in the region since 1997.
Children under 5 years old account for more than 40% of all cases in Europe, while hospitalizations exceeded 50%. A total of 38 deaths were reported based on preliminary numbers.
The European region accounts for one-third of global measles cases, with 500,000 people missing their first dose of the measles vaccine. According to Dr. Hans P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security.”
The decline in global vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in measles cases worldwide. In 2023, over 22 million children missed their routine measles vaccine, with only 83% of children receiving their first dose and 74% receiving their second.
A recent WHO report found a 20% increase in measles cases between 2022 and 2023, infecting a total of 10.3 million people globally. To prevent outbreaks, the WHO requires a threshold of 95% vaccination coverage.
The United States is also experiencing its worst measles outbreak since 2019, with over 250 cases reported in an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. Almost all of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unknown.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/europe-highest-number-measles-cases-year-25-years/story?id=119755203