Measles, cases on the rise in Europe: 7 deaths since the beginning of the year. It’s an alarm

2024-02-16 02:44:00

Measles, cases on the rise in Europe: the Ecdc study

ll European Center for Disease Prevention and Control provides that the cases of measles will continue to increase in Europa.

In 2023, they were reported to the ECDC 2,361 almostfor over 74% in Romania. Between January and early February, the number of countries reporting measles cases increased, and in two countries there were seven deaths reported: six in Romania and one in Ireland.

“No one should die from measles,” he declared

“No one should die from measles“, he claims Andrea Ammondirector of the ECDC.

“The increase in measles cases – continues Ammon – is one highly contagious disease but vaccine-preventable, clearly recalls that all Member States should maximize efforts to achieve and maintain high vaccination coverage for all vaccine-preventable diseases. THE vaccines represent a safe way and effective in reducing the health burden of infectious diseases and avoiding unnecessary losses of human life.”

“The increasing trend in measles cases throughout Europe it is worrying”, says the EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides. “It is an extremely contagious disease that can cause serious complications, especially in children and vulnerable people.”

The highest potential impact of measles, recalls the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, concerns children who are too young to be vaccinated, usually those under 12 months of agedepending on the national programs.

Unvaccinated children under the age of five are also at increased risk, as measles can have several complications in this age group. A high vaccination coverageequal to or greater than 95% of the population vaccinated with two doses of vaccine, is essential to interrupt transmission in a country or community.

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