Alarming 30-Fold Increase in Measles Cases in Europe, Urgent Measures Needed, Says WHO
In a shocking revelation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a staggering 30-fold increase in measles cases in Europe last year. Health officials are sounding the alarm, stating that urgent measures are needed to prevent further spread of the disease. With over 30,000 people infected in 2023, compared to just 941 cases in 2022, it is clear that measles is on the rise.
The WHO attributes this surge in cases to the decline in childhood vaccinations during the Covid-19 pandemic. As attention and resources were diverted towards combating the coronavirus, routine immunization programs suffered. In the UK, health officials recently warned of a highly contagious measles outbreak in the West Midlands that could quickly spread to other areas with low vaccination rates. Shockingly, more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 in England are currently unprotected and at risk of contracting measles.
To address this alarming situation, millions of parents and caregivers are being contacted and urged to ensure their children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses, with the first dose given around the age of one and the second dose around three years and four months old. While the vaccine is highly effective at protecting against measles, only 85% of children starting primary school in the UK have received both doses.
But why are measles cases on the rise, and what exactly is the MMR vaccine? Measles is a highly contagious illness that can affect individuals of any age. It typically begins with a high fever and a rash that usually clears up within 10 days. However, complications can arise, including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. The most vulnerable groups include infants who are too young to receive their first dose of the vaccine, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Measles during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, and low birth weight.
The WHO is urging all countries in the European region to promptly detect and respond to measles outbreaks while increasing vaccination coverage. Last year, measles affected individuals across all age groups, with two in five cases occurring in children aged 1-4 and one in five cases in adults aged 20 and above. Between January and October 2023, a staggering 20,918 people were hospitalized with measles in Europe, and five deaths were reported in two countries.
The decline in vaccination rates can be attributed to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on immunization systems. Vaccination rates for the first dose of the MMR vaccine slipped from 96% in 2019 to 93% in 2022 across Europe, while the uptake of the second dose fell from 92% to 91% over the same period. This seemingly small drop resulted in over 1.8 million children missing out on measles vaccinations.
With international travel resuming and social-distancing measures being lifted, the risk of measles spreading across borders and within communities is significantly higher, especially among under-vaccinated populations. Even countries that have achieved measles elimination status are at risk of large outbreaks. The WHO emphasizes that a minimum of 95% of children need to be vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
In conclusion, urgent action is needed to address the alarming increase in measles cases in Europe. Vaccination programs must be prioritized and strengthened to ensure that children receive the necessary protection against this potentially dangerous disease. The consequences of neglecting measles immunization can be severe, with complications ranging from pneumonia to blindness. It is crucial that parents and caregivers heed the call to vaccinate their children and take the necessary steps to prevent further outbreaks. Only through collective efforts can we safeguard the health and well-being of our communities.
