it.euronews.com
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.