Measles Cases on the Rise Globally, Threatening Elimination Efforts
Measles cases around the world have nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, presenting a significant challenge to efforts aimed at eliminating the highly contagious disease. According to provisional data, there were 321,582 cases of measles reported globally in 2023, with more than 94,000 cases already documented in 2024. Nearly half of the cases have been reported in the World Health Organization’s European Region.
In the United States, 128 measles cases have been reported in 20 jurisdictions this year, marking the highest number since 2019. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but the recent surge in cases has put that status at risk.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can have serious health consequences, especially for young and unvaccinated children. Vaccination has played a crucial role in preventing measles-related deaths, with an estimated 57 million lives saved between 2000 and 2022.
The US recommends children receive the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose administered between 4 and 6 years of age. The vaccine is highly effective, with one dose being 93% effective and two doses providing 97% protection. Despite this, the US has set a target vaccination rate of 95%, but coverage among kindergarteners has fallen below that threshold in recent years.
Measles outbreaks are not limited to the US, with cases also surging in conflict-affected and fragile countries. This highlights the urgent need for high, uniform, and equitable routine immunization coverage to prevent further spread of the disease.
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