Too few vaccinations: Number of measles cases rising worldwide
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases and deaths rose last year because not enough people have been vaccinated against measles for years.
It estimates 136,000 deaths worldwide, 43 percent more than in the previous year and around nine million cases (up 18 percent), as reported in Geneva. Last year, 37 countries experienced major outbreaks, compared to 22 the year before.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infectious disease. It is transmitted by droplets, for example when infected people cough or sneeze. Infected people usually initially have a fever, cough, runny nose and inflammation of the nasopharynx, followed by a rash. Every tenth person affected has complications, including life-threatening inflammation of the brain. Measles can be prevented with two doses of vaccine.
Around 83 percent of people worldwide have received a first dose of the vaccine in their lifetime, 74 percent a second. However, according to the WHO, 95% of people would need to be vaccinated in order to prevent major outbreaks. The corona pandemic has interrupted vaccination programs in many countries. It is alarming that even after the pandemic, comprehensive vaccination has not yet resumed there. Countries in Africa are particularly affected, but also India, Indonesia and Brazil. According to the WHO, more than 56 million lives have been saved by vaccinations since 2000.
The US health authority CDC was also involved in the report.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to achieve higher vaccination rates, as only 95% vulnerability reduction can prevent significant measles outbreaks globally. Despite more than 83% of the global population having received a first dose of the measles vaccine, the ongoing fight against measles, a disease preventable through vaccination, is still challenging due to insufficient coverage. Furthermore, the World Health Organization highlights that the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated these difficulties, as many vaccination programs worldwide have been disrupted.
Source: www.dpa.com
