WHO warns of risk of measles outbreaks worldwide

by time news

More than 22 million babies missed their first dose of measles vaccine in 2020 – 3 million more than in 2019 – the largest increase in 20 years and created dangerous conditions for outbreaks, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO ) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“While reported measles cases have declined in 2020, the data suggests we are likely to see the calm before the storm as the risk of outbreaks continues to rise globally,” said Keith O, Director of the WHO Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. ‘Brian.

Thus, in 2020, the number of reported cases of measles in the world decreased by more than 80% compared to 2019. However, the epidemiological surveillance of this disease has worsened, and the smallest number of samples was sent for laboratory testing in more than 10 years. Large outbreaks of measles have occurred in 26 countries, accounting for 84% of all reported cases last year.

“High numbers of unvaccinated children, measles outbreaks, and disease detection and diagnosis tools to support the COVID-19 response are factors that increase the likelihood of measles-related deaths and serious complications in children,” said CDC spokesman Kevin Kane. …

She added that there is a need to strengthen disease surveillance systems and close immunization gaps before travel and trade can return to pre-pandemic levels. This will help prevent fatal measles outbreaks and reduce the risk of other diseases, she explained.

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