In June, the disease was reported in 26 different countries, primarily in Africa. Most cases still come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Due to a lack of testing facilities, only a quarter of the suspected cases in the country were tested, with two-thirds of those tests coming back positive. Infections were also detected in the Americas (175 cases), Europe (100), and Asia and Oceania (82).
Most cases were located in East Congo. Four African countries appeared in the statistics for the first time in June: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Between January 1, 2022, and the end of June 2024, a total of 99,176 confirmed cases have been reported to the WHO from 116 countries. Over 200 infected individuals have died.
New Variant
The WHO is seriously concerned about a new variant of the disease that emerged in Central Africa. On Wednesday, experts from the emergency committee will meet to determine whether a health emergency should be declared. Such an emergency was in effect in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2022 following an mpox outbreak. This warning is meant to give governments and authorities around the world a chance to prepare for more cases.
Mpox can cause rashes and fever and can be life-threatening, especially for children. A new variant of the virus could be deadlier than a previous strain. (Read more below the photo)
Nearly 2,000 Cases of Whooping Cough
Figures from the Department of Care show that in Flanders, 1,885 cases of whooping cough have been registered this year up to August 7. This is nearly a doubling compared to the annual average between 2017 and 2019. Antwerp and Flemish Brabant have exceeded the threshold of more than 500 infections. “The peak of infections occurred in May, but the number of infections remains high in June and July,” says Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the Department of Care.
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Whooping cough can be deadly for infants. The disease is caused by a bacterium, starts with cold-like symptoms, and can lead to severe coughing fits. Sometimes, infants may temporarily stop breathing, causing them to turn blue. The number of infections among children under one year old hovers around 20 per month. This year, 49 babies under one year old have already been hospitalized.
“Fortunately, there is good protection: vaccinating the mother during her pregnancy,” says Moonens. “This way, the baby receives antibodies and is protected in the first weeks of life. After 8 weeks, the baby can be vaccinated itself.”
“These numbers concern me,” says virologist Marc Van Ranst (KU Leuven). “But this is not an isolated phenomenon; the disease is on the rise across Europe. This can partly be attributed to vaccination fatigue.” However, according to Moonens, the situation in Flanders is currently not comparable to that in, for example, the Netherlands. There, nearly 15,000 reported infections have already occurred, and five babies have also died.
Measles Infections Rise Spectacularly
The number of measles infections is also rising spectacularly. Across all of 2023, there were 35 cases in Flanders. This year, there have already been 111 cases. Flemish Brabant (49) has the most infections, followed by East Flanders (31). “Most infections are seen in the age group of 4 to 9 years and among adults aged 25 to 44,” says Moonens. The majority of infected individuals have not been vaccinated. There are no clusters; most cases occur within families.
However, adults who want to catch up on vaccinations currently cannot do so. There is a temporary restriction in place. “There is a high demand worldwide, and we want to have enough doses for the basic vaccination of young children,” says Moonens. The Department of Care hopes to have more news soon about when the restriction will be lifted. “However, those born between 1970 and 1985 should check if they have been correctly vaccinated,” says Van Ranst. “The vaccine was only included in the vaccination schedule in 1985. The older generation has experienced the disease itself.”
The Department of Care warns that measles are not just a childhood disease: 29 individuals have been hospitalized, of which slightly more than half are adults. Measles are highly contagious. Symptoms vary from the typical red spots to high fever, cough, and runny nose. Measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
“The problem is that almost no one remembers how serious the disease can be. Young parents have been vaccinated, and grandparents are too old to remember. But for both measles and whooping cough, we have vaccines to protect ourselves against these diseases,” concludes Van Ranst.
Emerging Health Threats: Trends in Infectious Diseases
As we advance into 2024, the global health community is grappling with significant infectious disease trends that signal an urgent need for proactive measures. The alarming rise in disease cases, particularly from regions like Central Africa, is causing widespread concern among health authorities. Data shows that in June alone, 26 countries reported new cases, predominantly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Notably, due to limited testing capabilities, only a fraction of suspected cases were confirmed, exposing a significant gap in surveillance and response.
New Variants and Rising Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over the emergence of a new variant of an unidentified disease, spotlighting the necessity for quick and efficient public health responses. The existing challenges are compounded by the resurgence of diseases such as whooping cough and measles in regions like Flanders, Belgium, where cases of whooping cough have nearly doubled compared to pre-pandemic years. This trend seems indicative of broader patterns of vaccine hesitancy and reduced immunization rates, factors that are likely to continue influencing disease spread.
Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Awareness
The rising cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and whooping cough, underscore the critical challenge of vaccine hesitancy. Public health experts indicate that poor vaccination coverage, especially among young adults, might lead to a resurgence of these infections. The WHO’s efforts to alert global authorities about new health threats indicate a shift towards prioritizing preventive health measures. Experts advocate for enhanced public education campaigns to rekindle trust in vaccination programs as part of a broader strategy to combat infectious diseases.
Global Health Preparedness
As the global community faces these challenges, the emphasis on international collaboration becomes paramount. The recent rise in health alerts from the WHO signifies the critical importance of preparedness and responsiveness in managing outbreaks. As countries work to fortify their health infrastructures, investing in rapid response capabilities and public health education will be essential in addressing the dual threats of new variants and rising infectious diseases. This proactive stance could mitigate future outbreaks and safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly.