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The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a measles warning as the number of cases in Europe has risen more than 30-fold. In the period between January and October last year, over 30,000 cases were reported, compared to just 941 cases in the entire year of 2022. Children between one and four years old accounted for two out of every five cases, while one in five cases involved individuals aged 20 and over. The WHO has emphasized that vaccination is crucial to prevent the further spread of the disease.
The WHO’s warning comes in the wake of a surge in measles cases in the UK, prompting the country to declare a national incident and launch a campaign to encourage vaccination. The situation in Europe has been described as alarming by Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, who highlighted that the region has experienced not only a significant increase in measles cases but also thousands of hospitalizations and several deaths associated with the disease. Measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures.
The falling vaccination rates have been identified as a key factor behind the rise in measles cases. The WHO has also noted that increased international travel following the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the risk of cross-border transmission of the disease. Within the WHO Europe region, which includes 53 countries, 40 reported measles cases in 2023. Russia and Kazakhstan were the hardest-hit countries, each reporting 10,000 cases. In Western Europe, the UK had the highest number of cases, with 183.
According to the WHO, vaccination rates for the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine dropped from 96% in 2019 to 93% in 2022 across Europe. Additionally, the uptake of the second dose fell from 92% to 91% during the same period. Shockingly, approximately 1.8 million infants in the WHO Europe region have not been vaccinated against measles between 2020 and 2022.
These statistics reflect a global trend of declining measles vaccination rates. In 2022, 83% of children worldwide received the first measles vaccine during their first year of life, down from 86% before the pandemic. The consequences of undervaccination or lack of vaccination are devastating, with an estimated 128,000 measles deaths occurring globally in 2021, primarily among children under the age of five.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expressed concern about the current measles situation in the country, stating that it is on a concerning trajectory. Prof Dame Jenny Harries, the head of UKHSA, emphasized the need for concerted action, pointing out that many people are not opposed to their children receiving the MMR vaccine but require more information to feel confident in their decision. The UKHSA has reported 216 confirmed measles cases and 103 probable cases in the West Midlands since October 1.
To address the growing public health risk, the UKHSA has declared a national incident, allowing it to focus its efforts on specific areas. The urgency to tackle this issue stems from the fact that measles, despite being a highly preventable disease, can have serious consequences and pose a threat to progress made in eliminating the disease.
The WHO and health authorities around the world are urging parents and individuals to prioritize vaccination against measles to safeguard themselves and their communities. The current measles outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and the potential consequences of falling vaccination rates. It is crucial for countries to be prepared to detect and respond to measles outbreaks promptly to prevent further spread and protect public health.
In conclusion, the WHO’s warning about the significant rise in measles cases in Europe underscores the urgent need for vaccination. The falling vaccination rates, coupled with increased travel, have fueled the spread of the disease. It is imperative for individuals, especially parents, to prioritize vaccination and ensure the protection of their children and communities from measles. Concerted efforts from health authorities are necessary to detect, respond to, and contain measles outbreaks to prevent further transmission and protect public health.
