PAHO urges US countries to contain measles so that the endemic transmission of the measles virus has stopped. More than 1.7 million children in 28 countries will go without the measles vaccine by 2021. The risk of vaccine-preventable diseases is at its highest in the last thirty years. Measles is an infectious viral disease, but safe, effective vaccines exist.
In 2021 it turned out that 85 percent of the region was vaccinated and therefore protected against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). A small number of six countries reached the recommended 95 percent. This is necessary for inhibiting these diseases. Ten countries achieved coverage of less than 80 percent. Between 2000 and 2018, the measles vaccine saved approximately 23.2 million lives worldwide.
Only America was declared measles-free in 2016. The virus persisted in other parts of the world. There was an increase in imported cases in the region between 2017 and 2019.
PAHO advises those responsible to ensure that children receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. This will prevent outbreaks and protect them from the consequences of this disease such as pneumonia, which is life-threatening for babies and children.
Picture source: Health and Science
