Measles: more than 30% of cases worldwide in 2017

Due to gaps in immunization coverage, measles outbreaks have occurred in all regions, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) that presents trends in measles over the last 17 years.

The number of reported cases of measles reached a peak in 2017, with several countries experiencing severe and prolonged outbreaks of the disease.

The highest number of cases occurred in the regions of the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, with the Western Pacific being the only region where the incidence of measles has dropped.

More worrying than the increase in the number of reported cases is that we are seeing sustained transmission of measles in countries that have not had measles transmission for several years.

"This suggests that we are regressing," he said, lamenting growing mistrust of vaccines, which some anti-vaccine groups blame for causing autism.

Rapidly increase immunization coverage

"Without rapid efforts to increase immunization coverage and identify populations with unacceptable levels of under-vaccination or non-vaccination among children, decades of progress in child protection may be lost." and communities against this devastating, but perfectly preventable disease, "said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Deputy Director General, WHO Programs.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can be prevented by two doses of a "safe and effective" vaccine, according to WHO.

For Dr. Seth Berkley, Executive Director of the Gavi Alliance, this increase in cases is not surprising.

He points to the "spread of false information on the vaccine" in Europe and the "relaxation of vigilance with regard to the disease" in this region, but also the "collapse of the health system" in Venezuela and the " low immunization coverage "in Africa.

Measles can cause debilitating and even fatal complications including encephalitis, pneumonia and permanent vision loss. The risk of death and complications is particularly high in infants and young children who are malnourished or have weakened immune systems.