Global Measles Outbreak: A WHO-CDC Report

Global Measles Outbreak: A WHO-CDC Report

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Global Measles Outbreak: A WHO-CDC Report

A joint report by WHO and CDC reveals a significant global surge in measles cases in 2023, primarily due to low vaccination rates. The European region also experienced a dramatic increase.

Italian
United States
HealthEuropean UnionGlobal HealthOutbreakVaccinationEpidemiologyMeasles
World Health Organization (Who)Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (Cdc)European Centre For Disease Prevention And Control (Ecdc)
Natasha Crowcroft
What is the overall global trend in measles cases in 2023?
Measles cases globally increased by over 20% in 2023, reaching 10.3 million cases, according to a joint report by the WHO and CDC. This surge is attributed to stagnating vaccination coverage worldwide.
Which region reported the highest number of measles cases in 2023?
Africa reported the highest number of measles cases with an estimated 4.8 million, accounting for nearly half of all large and disruptive outbreaks. The South-East Asia region followed with an estimated 2.9 million cases.
How does the number of measles cases in Europe compare to other regions?
Despite the significant global increase, the European region still has relatively low measles case numbers compared to other regions like Africa and South-East Asia. However, the increase in Europe is alarming due to the stagnating vaccination coverage.
What is the main factor contributing to the increase in measles cases worldwide?
The report highlights that only 83% of children globally received their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023, and less than three-quarters received a second dose. This insufficient vaccination coverage has led to a significant rise in cases and preventable deaths.
What was the percentage increase in measles cases in the European region in 2023?
In the European region, measles cases saw a dramatic increase of over 200% in 2023, rising from approximately 99,700 in 2022 to over 306,000. This increase is largely due to lower vaccination rates and a rise in outbreaks.