Synopsis
In 2024, measles cases in Europe have surged to the highest level since 1997, with the WHO highlighting the urgent need for vaccinations to prevent further spread. Over 127,000 cases were reported, with Romania and Kazakhstan leading in infections.Key Takeaways
- Measles cases in Europe doubled in 2024.
- Romania and Kazakhstan reported the highest infections.
- Vaccination is the primary defense against measles.
- 500,000 children missed their first vaccine dose in 2023.
- Measles can lead to severe complications and death.
London, March 14 (NationPress) Measles cases in Europe have increased twofold in 2024, reaching the highest numbers since 1997, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which underscores the importance of vaccinations to mitigate the outbreak.
Last year, there were 127,350 reported cases of measles in Europe, which is twice the number from 2023, as per an analysis conducted by WHO in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The region was responsible for one-third of all global measles cases in 2024, the report highlighted.
Romania has been identified as the country with the highest infection rate, surpassing 30,000 cases, closely followed by Kazakhstan at 28,147 cases. In recent outbreaks in England, it was reported that one in five infected children required hospitalization, noted Dr. Doug Brown, the chief executive of the British Society for Immunology.
Measles is among the most contagious viruses and can result in serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea, dehydration, and even blindness. Additionally, it can compromise the immune system by erasing its memory of previous infections, making survivors more vulnerable to other diseases.
The most effective defense against measles remains vaccination, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Despite this, approximately 500,000 children in the region missed their first dose of the measles vaccine (MCV1) in 2023, warned WHO.
“Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security,” stated Dr. Hans P. Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe. “Every nation must enhance efforts to reach communities that are under-vaccinated.”
As defined by the World Health Organisation, measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. It transmits easily when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles can lead to severe illness, complications, and even fatalities.
Although measles can impact anyone, it is especially prevalent among children.
The virus targets the respiratory system and disseminates throughout the body. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.
Receiving the vaccine is the most reliable method to prevent contracting measles or transmitting it to others. The vaccine is safe and strengthens the body's ability to combat the virus.
Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and the subsequent widespread vaccination initiatives, significant epidemics occurred roughly every two to three years, leading to an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually.
In 2023, around 107,500 individuals succumbed to measles, primarily children under five years old, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine.
