GENEVA — Measles cases worldwide reached alarming levels last year, with 10.3 million infections reported globally in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the previous year, according to a newly released report from the World Health Organization (WHO).
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The highly infectious disease claimed nearly 107,500 lives in 2023, with children under the age of five being the most severely affected.
The Toll of Measles
Measles is characterized by a red, spotty rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward, often merging into larger patches. Beyond its visible symptoms, the virus can cause life-threatening complications, including:
- Pneumonia: A severe lung infection.
- Encephalitis: Dangerous swelling of the brain.
- Long-term issues like deafness, intellectual disabilities, and pregnancy complications.
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A Growing Threat in the U.S.
In the United States, measles cases have skyrocketed in 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 277 cases across 30 states and the District of Columbia, a significant jump from the 59 cases reported in 2023. Outbreaks — defined as three or more related cases — rose to 16 this year compared to just four the previous year.
Disruptive outbreaks, involving 20 or more cases per 1 million people annually, have also become a growing concern.
“The alarming rise in measles cases globally and here in the U.S. is a stark reminder of the consequences of falling vaccination rates,” said Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children’s Hospital and media medical contributor. “We’re seeing preventable outbreaks that endanger the most vulnerable among us — especially young children.”
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Impact of COVID-19 on Vaccination Rates
The surge in measles cases has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted routine childhood immunizations. According to the CDC, measles vaccination rates in the U.S. have remained below the national target of 95% for at least three years. An estimated 96% of measles cases in 2024 occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.
Worldwide, the percentage of children receiving their first dose of the measles vaccine dropped to 81% during the pandemic, the lowest level since 2008. This has left millions of children unprotected despite more countries offering the vaccine since 2000.
“We’re now seeing the ripple effects of those missed doses, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen vaccination campaigns and public health initiatives to regain lost ground,” Brownstein added.
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Prevention and Recommendations
To combat the rising measles threat, the CDC recommends two doses of the measles vaccine for children:
- First dose: Between 12 and 15 months of age.
- Second dose: Between four and six years of age.
Both the WHO and CDC emphasize the importance of improved surveillance to identify measles cases early and prevent outbreaks.
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The WHO has set a 95% vaccine coverage target for countries aiming to achieve or maintain measles elimination status.
As vaccination efforts struggle to recover, public health experts warn that the recent surge in measles cases highlights the urgent need for global action to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further outbreaks.
