Dangerous disease
WHO sounds the alarm: measles is spreading rapidly
Updated on November 15, 2024Reading time: 2 min.
It is an infectious disease that can cause permanent damage and death: measles. The number of infections is growing worldwide.
Doctors thought they had the dangerous disease measles almost under control, but new data shows a frightening development: the number of infections worldwide has risen by 20 percent in a year, said the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US health authority CDC. In 2023, the number of cases worldwide was estimated at 10.3 million.
Almost 110,000 people died, most of them children under five. This was around eight percent less than in the previous year. The reason: larger outbreaks occurred in 2023 in countries where children were better fed and could cope better with the disease and where there was better health care.
One of the world’s most contagious diseases can be prevented with two doses of vaccine, it said. But last year 22 million children did not receive their first dose of vaccination. Worldwide, 83 percent of children received a first dose, but only 74 percent received a second. If 95 percent of children in every country, region and group are vaccinated, outbreaks could be prevented.
When infected with measles, fever, photophobia and inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth usually first appear, followed by a skin rash. Most cases heal without lasting effects, but there is a risk of brain, lung and middle ear infections, which can cause permanent damage and death.
“Measles vaccinations have saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. According to WHO information, around 57 million deaths were prevented between 2000 and 2020 because of vaccinations. More needs to be done to ensure that all children everywhere are vaccinated, said Tedros.
WHO and CDC said 57 countries reported outbreaks in 2023, almost half of them in Africa. Among other things, children miss their vaccinations when their families are fleeing violence and conflict. The number of conflicts and displaced people worldwide has been growing for years.
In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute has observed an increase in measles cases since 2023 “and especially since January 2024.” However, they were still well below the level before the corona pandemic. From January 1, 2023 to March 15, 2024, 94 cases were reported; in 2019 there were 516. With the global increase, infections could increasingly be imported into Germany again, the RKI warned in March.
What are the main reasons for the decline in measles vaccination rates worldwide?
Interview: The Global Measles Crisis
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, and welcome to your regular update on pressing health issues worldwide. Today, we’re diving into the alarming rise of measles cases as reported by the World Health Organization and the CDC. To help us unpack this critical situation, we’ve invited Dr. Lisa Hartman, an epidemiologist and public health expert. Welcome, Dr. Hartman!
Dr. Lisa Hartman: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: Let’s get straight to it. The WHO recently announced a 20% increase in measles infections worldwide in just one year. What is driving this resurgence?
Dr. Hartman: There are several factors contributing to this alarming trend. First and foremost, vaccination rates have not reached the critical threshold needed to achieve herd immunity. While 83% of children received their first dose, only 74% got the second dose. This gap creates vulnerabilities in communities, allowing outbreaks to occur.
Editor: That’s quite concerning. In your opinion, why are so many children missing out on vaccines?
Dr. Hartman: There are multiple barriers, including access to healthcare, misinformation about vaccines, and in some regions, political instability. The pandemic also disrupted routine immunization services, leading to significant backlogs in vaccinations for many children.
Editor: You mentioned misinformation. How does that play a role in vaccination campaigns?
Dr. Hartman: Misinformation has become a powerful barrier to vaccination. With the rise of social media, misinformation can spread rapidly, leading to parental hesitancy. Engaging communities with accurate information and addressing concerns directly can help combat this.
Editor: It’s shocking to hear that nearly 110,000 people died from measles in 2023, most of whom were children under five. What strategies can we adopt to prevent such tragic losses in the future?
Dr. Hartman: We need a multi-faceted approach. First, we must strengthen healthcare systems, ensuring that immunization programs are accessible to all, especially in underserved areas. Second, international collaboration is crucial; diseases know no borders. Organizations like WHO play a key role in uniting efforts across countries to combat outbreaks effectively.
Editor: In the context of proactive measures, can you explain why achieving a 95% vaccination rate is so essential?
Dr. Hartman: Absolutely. Vaccines work on the principle of herd immunity. When a high percentage of a population is vaccinated, it effectively protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like infants and those with compromised immune systems. Achieving that 95% threshold prevents outbreaks, as the virus struggles to find hosts to infect.
Editor: With 22 million children missing their first dose last year, what can be done to catch up on these vaccinations?
Dr. Hartman: We need urgent catch-up campaigns, especially in regions with the lowest immunization rates. This includes mobile vaccination units, community education programs, and collaborations with local leaders to encourage parents to vaccinate their children. Public trust must be rebuilt, which can be strengthened through transparent communication about the benefits and safety of vaccines.
Editor: One last question, Dr. Hartman. Regarding outbreaks in 2023, you mentioned that larger outbreaks occurred in countries with better health care. What does this imply for global health trends?
Dr. Hartman: It suggests that even with improved healthcare systems, vulnerabilities can still exist if vaccination coverage is insufficient. It highlights the need for constant vigilance and commitment to maintaining high vaccination rates, irrespective of economic status. Health authorities must prioritize immunization readiness to prevent outbreaks — it’s not just about treating diseases but preventing them in the first place.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for shedding light on this critical public health challenge. It’s clear that tackling measles requires a collaborative effort and a renewed commitment to vaccination everywhere. We appreciate your insights!
Dr. Hartman: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a proactive response that ensures our children are protected and healthy!
Editor: Absolutely. We’ll continue to monitor the developments in this story. Thank you all for joining us today. Stay informed and take action in your communities.