Measles cases rose by 79 percent globally last year, warns (WHO)

Measles cases rose by 79 percent globally last year, warns (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed alarm at the rapid spread of measles globally, with a 79% increase in reported cases from 2022 to 2023, totaling over 306,000 cases worldwide. This significant surge in measles cases has raised concerns about the potential for increased deaths from the disease, particularly in low-income countries where vaccination rates are low. The WHO attributes the rising measles cases to “backsliding immunization coverage” and estimates that 142 million children are susceptible to falling ill. The organization warns that more than half of all countries are at high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of the year, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent a global health crisis.

Causes of the Measles Outbreak:

• Low vaccination rates: Measles outbreaks are more likely to occur in areas with low vaccination rates, as this leaves a larger number of susceptible individuals who can contract and spread the disease.
• Vaccine hesitancy: Misinformation and misconceptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness have led to increased vaccine hesitancy, resulting in decreased vaccination rates and increased risk of outbreaks.
• Global travel: Measles is still common in many parts of the world, and international travel can lead to the importation of measles cases into areas with low vaccination rates.
• Lax vaccination policies: Inadequate vaccination policies, such as not requiring vaccination for school entry, can contribute to low vaccination rates and increase the risk of outbreaks.
• Public health infrastructure: Weak public health infrastructure, including inadequate surveillance and outbreak response systems, can hinder efforts to detect and respond to measles outbreaks.
• Conflict and displacement: Vaccination rates often decline in areas experiencing conflict or displacement, and measles outbreaks can occur.
• Virus mutations: Mutations in the measles virus can lead to changes in its transmissibility or virulence, potentially contributing to outbreaks.
• Waning immunity: Immunity to measles can wane over time, leaving individuals susceptible to infection and potentially contributing to outbreaks.
• Health system weaknesses: Weaknesses in health systems, including inadequate access to healthcare and vaccination services, can contribute to low vaccination rates and increase the risk of outbreaks.
• Misconceptions about measles: Misconceptions about the severity and risks of measles can lead to a lack of concern about the disease and a decreased likelihood of vaccination.

Implications of the Outbreak:

• Deaths: Measles outbreaks can lead to a significant number of deaths, particularly among young children and adults.
• Complications: Measles can cause serious complications, such as blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
• Economic burden: Measles outbreaks can impose a significant economic burden on families, communities, and healthcare systems.
• The strain on healthcare: Outbreaks can overwhelm healthcare systems, diverting resources away from other important health needs.
• Loss of immunity: Measles outbreaks can lead to a decline in population immunity, making future outbreaks more likely.
• Impact on vulnerable populations: Measles outbreaks can have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, such as young children, malnourished individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
• Threat to measles elimination: Measles outbreaks can threaten progress toward measles elimination and undermine global efforts to control and eliminate the disease.
• Disruption of routine health services: Measles outbreaks can disrupt routine health services, including vaccination programs, antenatal care, and other essential health services.
• Social and economic disruption: Measles outbreaks can lead to social and economic disruption, including school closures, canceled public events, and reduced economic activity.
• Impact on public health infrastructure: Measles outbreaks can expose weaknesses in public health infrastructure, including surveillance, laboratory capacity, and emergency preparedness.
• Risk of measles spread: Measles outbreaks can lead to the spread of measles to other areas, including those with low vaccination rates or vulnerable populations.

Expert Insights:

Expert insights about measles include ¹ ²:

• Measles elimination: Measles elimination is defined as the absence of endemic measles cases for at least 12 months, in the presence of adequate surveillance.
• Measles-containing vaccine: The measles-containing vaccine (MCV) is the vaccine used to prevent measles, with two doses (MCV1 and MCV2) recommended for adequate protection.
• Vaccination coverage: Vaccination coverage refers to the number of vaccine doses administered divided by the estimated target population, with a goal of at least 95% coverage for measles elimination.
• Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs): SIAs are immunization campaigns conducted in response to measles outbreaks or to fill immunity gaps, targeting specific age groups.
• Case-based surveillance: Case-based surveillance involves investigating and reporting individual measles cases to monitor disease transmission and detect potential outbreaks.
• Measles genotyping: Measles genotyping involves identifying the specific genetic strain of the measles virus to track transmission patterns and monitor vaccine effectiveness.
• Measles outbreak response: Measles outbreak response involves rapid identification, reporting, and containment of measles cases through targeted vaccination, isolation, and quarantine measures.
• Measles vaccination in emergencies: Measles vaccination is a critical component of emergency responses, particularly in conflict or natural disaster settings, to prevent measles outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
• Measles and rubella elimination: Measles and rubella elimination efforts are often combined, with the introduction of rubella-containing vaccines aiming to eliminate both diseases concurrently.
• Global measles elimination: Global measles elimination efforts are coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), to eliminate measles worldwide by 2025.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease that continues to pose a significant threat to global public health. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, measles outbreaks continue to occur, often driven by low vaccination rates, vaccine hesitancy, and weak public health infrastructure.

Expert insights highlight the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, conducting regular surveillance, and implementing prompt outbreak responses to prevent measles transmission. The use of supplementary immunization activities, measles-containing vaccines, and rubella-containing vaccines are critical strategies in the fight against measles.

Global efforts to eliminate measles must prioritize strengthening public health infrastructure, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines. The WHO’s goal of eliminating measles by 2025 is ambitious but achievable with concerted efforts from governments, healthcare providers, and communities.

Ultimately, the fight against measles requires a sustained commitment to public health, global cooperation, and a relentless pursuit of a world where no child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease. By working together, we can protect vulnerable populations, prevent needless suffering, and ensure a healthier future for all.