The virus, which can cause skin rashes, fever and flu-like symptoms but also particularly serious complications in young patients, has however caused fewer deaths than last year.
Published on 14/11/2024 19:45
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The number of measles cases jumped by 20% worldwide in 2023, according to a study published Thursday, November 14. Some 10.3 million cases were recorded last year. “Inadequate vaccination coverage globally is behind this increase” of 20% of the number of cases, underline the authors of the study carried out by the World Health Organization and the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At least 95% coverage with two doses of the measles and rubella vaccine is necessary to prevent outbreaks. However, only 83% of children in the world received their first dose as part of routine vaccination campaigns in 2023. This is the same level as in 2022, but less than the 86% before the Covid pandemic. -19. Only 74% received their second dose last year, according to the study.
Authors identified significant measles outbreaks in 57 countries in 2023 – on all continents except America and half in Africa. There were 36 a year earlier.
The virus, which can cause skin rashes, fever and flu-like symptoms but also particularly serious complications in young patients, has however caused fewer deaths (-8%). In total, 107,500 people died, mainly children under 5 years old. For the authors of the study, this trend can be explained by the fact that the increase in the number of cases occurred in countries where children with measles were less likely to die thanks to better nutritional status and better access to health services.
