The number of confirmed measles infections worldwide is likely to remain high this year. By the beginning of April, 94,481 cases had already been registered.
In 2023, more than 320,000 people were found to be infected with measles. This corresponded to an increase of approximately 88 percent over the previous year.
However, the vast majority of measles cases do not even appear in the statistics. The number of documented cases for 2022 is 171,153, but the number of estimated cases is nine million. According to World Health Organization estimates, 136,000 people died from measles that year, mostly children under the age of five.
45 percent of cases in Europe
Of the cases recorded worldwide this year, 45 percent were in the WHO Europe region. The highest number of cases per capita occurred in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The WHO also includes countries such as Israel and Turkey, as well as Central Asian countries in the European region. Yemen has the highest rate of measles in the world.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 162 cases had been reported in Germany as of April 21. For comparison: Last year there were only ten cases in the same period.
Urgent call for vaccination
The number of outbreaks is increasing worldwide due to insufficient vaccination coverage among the population. It is recommended that at least 95 percent of the population receive two doses of the vaccine. Currently, global rates for the first dose are only 83 percent, and for the second dose only 74 percent.
In the case of measles, the goal is actually its eradication
According to the RKI, it is one of the most contagious diseases in humans. This is transmitted, among other things, via droplets and aerosols that are created when speaking, coughing and sneezing. The reddish-brown rash considered characteristic of measles does not appear until the second stage of the disease. Beforehand, those affected usually have symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and headache. Once you have had the disease, you are usually immune for life.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
