Health Measles is spreading rapidly worldwide according to the WHO

The number of measles infections worldwide has risen by 20 percent within a year. This was announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US health authority CDC. Last year, the estimated number of cases worldwide was 10.3 million.

Almost 110,000 people died, most of them children under the age of five. This was around eight percent fewer than in the previous year. The reason: larger outbreaks in 2023 occurred in countries where children were better nourished and better able to cope with the disease and where there was better healthcare.

One of the most infectious diseases in the world could be prevented with two doses of vaccine, it was said. But last year, 22 million children did not receive their first dose of vaccine. Worldwide, 83 percent of children received a first dose, but only 74 percent received a second. If 95 percent of children in every country in every region and group were vaccinated, outbreaks could be prevented.

In most cases of measles infection, the first symptoms are fever, photophobia and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, followed by a skin rash. Most cases heal without permanent consequences, but there is a risk of inflammation of the brain, lungs and middle ear, which can cause permanent damage and death.

Vaccinations prevent millions of deaths

"Measles vaccines have saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. According to WHO figures, around 57 million deaths were prevented between 2000 and 2020 thanks to vaccinations. More needs to be done to ensure that all children around the world are vaccinated, said Tedros.

57 countries reported outbreaks in 2023, almost half of them in Africa, the WHO and CDC added. Among other things, children miss their vaccinations when their families are on the run from violence and conflict. The number of conflicts and displaced people worldwide has been growing for years.

SDA