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A joint report by the WHO and the CDC found that there were 10.3 million cases of measles worldwide last year. This represents a 20% increase in global cases from 2022, WHO and CDC data show. Measles cases have increased by more than 200% in the European region in the past year, amid a global increase, according to the new annual report, and in Romania the majority.
In 2023 there were more than 306,000 cases in the region, which includes parts of Central Asia, up from about 99,700 in 2022.
What is the situation in Europe?
“There was a big increase in the European region, but it went from just under 100,000 cases to just over 300,000 cases,” Crowcroft said.
“So even though it was an increase of over 200%, the total numbers are much lower,” she said.
According to experts, this was due to stagnant vaccination coverage and an increase in the number of epidemics.
The report shows that the number of cases in Europe is still relatively low compared to other regions.
According to a recent report by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 30 countries in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area reported more than 18,000 cases of measles between September 2023 and August 2024.
Romania had the highest number of measles cases in the EU, with more than 14,000 cases reported during this period, according to the report.
21 deaths in Romania
The latest data reported by the National Center for the Study and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT), within the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), indicates that between January 1, 2023 and September 1, 2024 (last reporting week), in Romania 23,972 confirmed cases of measles and 21 deaths were recorded.
Meanwhile, between December 6, 2023 and September 1, 2024, according to the data extracted from the RENV, 244,622 doses of MMR vaccine were used, of which 38,540 doses were used for children between 9 and 11 months.
The Ministry of Health announced the end of the measles epidemic at the national level, on August 28, as the weekly number of new cases of measles decreased significantly in Romania, after the peaks reached in the spring. The epidemic was announced in early December 2023, with the alarming increase in measles cases, as well as the large number of hospitalizations in pediatric and infectious disease wards of infected children.
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– What are the main factors contributing to the recent rise in measles cases in Europe according to Dr. Sarah Crowcroft?
As the website editor for world-today-news.com, I am thrilled to present an interview with Dr. Sarah Crowcroft, a measles expert from the World Health Organization (WHO), and Prof. Dr. Magda Chirea, the Head of the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Victor Babes Hospital in Romania, about the recent rise in measles cases worldwide, particularly in Europe.
Dr. Crowcroft, thank you for joining us today. Could you please share your thoughts on the increasing number of measles cases globally? What factors contribute to this trend?
Dr. Sarah Crowcroft: Thank you, it’s my pleasure. Yes, measles cases have increased globally by 20% last year compared to 2022, with a 200% increase in Europe alone. There have been several factors contributing to this trend, including stagnant vaccination coverage and a rise in the number of epidemics. One of the primary causes is the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted routine immunization programs and led to a decline in the number of children receiving measles vaccination. This has created a vulnerable population, especially among those who are not fully vaccinated against measles. Additionally, public distrust in vaccination and misinformation about its safety have also played a role in this increase.
Prof. Chirea, as the Head of the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at a hospital in Romania, one of the countries with the highest number of measles cases in Europe, what is your perspective on the situation there? What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
Prof. Dr. Magda Chirea: Thank you for having me. Well, the situation in Romania is quite worrisome. As per the National Center for the Study and Control of Communicable Diseases (CNSCBT), between January 1, 2023, and September 1, 2024, there have been 23,972 confirmed cases of measles, and unfortunately, 21 deaths. We’re taking multiple steps to control the outbreak, including increasing awareness campaigns, improving access to vaccination, and implementing quarantine measures for infected individuals
