World Health Organization Warns of Rapid Measles Spread with 79% Increase in Cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the alarming spread of measles across the globe. According to the organization, there has been a staggering 79% increase in measles cases from the previous year, with over 306,000 reported cases in 2022 alone. While the number of deaths caused by measles in 2022 increased by 43% compared to previous years, the WHO expects this number to rise even further in 2023.
The announcement by the WHO comes at a time when a school district in Florida is grappling with a concerning rise in measles cases. Broward County Public Schools recently confirmed four cases of measles, with health experts warning that this could be just the beginning. Despite the official declaration of measles eradication in the United States over two decades ago, new outbreaks are occurring due to declining vaccination rates.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that manifests with a distinct rash. The decline in vaccination rates has jeopardized herd immunity, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks. Dr. Pallavi Aneja, the program director of Internal Medicine Residency at HCA FL Northwest and Westside Hospitals, expressed concern over the increasing number of unvaccinated children and individuals with compromised immune systems. She predicts a significant rise in these numbers, further exacerbating the risk of measles transmission.
The situation is not limited to Florida alone. A CBS News investigation revealed that measles vaccination rates among kindergartners in at least 8,500 schools across 19 states fall below the crucial 95% threshold recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This drop in vaccination rates has raised alarm bells among scientists and doctors nationwide. In recent months, clusters of measles cases have been identified in Philadelphia and Ohio, highlighting the potential for disease spread and long-lasting outbreaks.
Looking ahead, the WHO’s Natasha Crowcroft warns that 2024 will be a challenging year. By analyzing data on unimmunized children, the WHO predicts that more than half of all countries worldwide will be at high or very high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of this year.
The implications of these findings are not only concerning on an individual level but also have population-level consequences. Matt Ferrari, a biologist and infectious disease researcher at Penn State University, emphasizes that the presence of unvaccinated individuals increases the likelihood of disease transmission and the persistence of outbreaks.
As the global measles crisis continues to unfold, it is crucial for communities and governments to prioritize vaccination efforts. The WHO’s warning serves as a wake-up call, urging action to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further measles outbreaks. With the threat of measles looming large, it is imperative that individuals, parents, and healthcare providers work together to ensure widespread immunization and safeguard public health.
Sources:
– Stephen Stock, Aparna Zalani, Chris Hacker, Jose Sanchez, CBS Miami, and CBS Philadelphia staff
– CBS News
About the Author:
Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. She has previously written for USA Today and was instrumental in launching the newspaper’s wellness vertical. Currently, she covers breaking and trending news for CBS News’ HealthWatch section.
