The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning after increase in measles incidence. The rise in virus outbreaks comes as vaccination rates drop around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced first dose uptake to levels not seen in 15 years.
A report published jointly by WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Millions of children did not receive vaccines during the 2020 health emergency. This has led to an 18% increase in measles cases and a 43% increase in deaths from the virus in 2022. The agency notes that There were 37 major or destructive outbreaks during this period..
The reason for the increase in measles incidence is that There is no optimal vaccine coverage. Before the pandemic, the percentage of people vaccinated with their first dose worldwide was 86%, but in 2021 that figure has fallen to 81%. In addition, only 65 countries out of 194 that make up the WHO have achieved the recommended target of 95%. for the first dose.
Report indicates coverage against measles decreased in low-income countries. The top 10 countries with the highest number of infants who have not received their first vaccine include Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and India. Brazil is on the list with 0.5 million vulnerable children.
In contrast, second dose coverage has increased significantly over the past 20 years, although it still does not reach WHO recommended levels.
Measles cases have increased since the coronavirus pandemic
One of the milestones of the last decade has been the elimination of measles in America. In 2016, WHO reported that the Americas became the first region free of the virus thanks to an effective vaccination campaign.
Three years later, New York City declared a state of emergency due to a measles outbreak. The disease spread mainly due to anti-vaccination groups, which are blamed for the side effects of over-vaccination (eg autism). Although there is no scientific evidence to support or refute these claims, many parents choose not to vaccinate their children.
Outbreaks of measles and other viruses fell sharply during the 2020 health emergency, but the percentage of cases has increased over the past two years. misinformation and lack of coverage restoration The red light has been raised by the World Health Organization, which hopes to reach 95% with two doses by 2030.
“Globally, declines in vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown some recovery in 2022; However, this trend is not consistent across all regions,” the report notes. “Vaccination coverage has fallen most in low-income countries, where the risk of death from measles is probably higher“
Measles is an infectious and contagious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms appear within 10 to 14 days and include fever, dry cough, sore throat and tiny white spots in the mouth. One of the distinguishing features is the presence of a rash with red spots that starts on the face and spreads throughout the body.
Source: Hiper Textual
