Measles cases in the world up 300% over the previous year

GENEVA – Measles cases have increased by 300% worldwide during the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the United Nations said Monday, while the worry growing in the impact of anti-vaccination stigma.

Measles, which is highly contagious, can be completely prevented with a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organization, or WHO, has sounded the alarm during the fall in vaccination rates.

"Preliminary global data shows that reported cases increased by 300% in the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This follows consecutive increases in the last two years," said a statement. .

"Although these data are provisional and not yet complete, they indicate a clear trend: many countries are at the heart of major measles outbreaks, with all regions of the world experiencing a steady increase in the number of cases," he added. text.

The agency noted that only about one in 10 cases of measles is reported, which means that early trends for 2019 probably underestimate the severity of outbreaks.

So far this year, 170 countries have reported 112,163 cases of measles to WHO. Last year, at the same time, 163 countries reported 28,124 cases.

Measles has been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced health systems.

But the so-called anti-vax move – motivated by fraudulent claims of MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella and a risk of autism in children – has gained strength. Repeated studies have shown that such a link does not exist.

However, according to WHO, the global coverage of the first dose of vaccine was "blocked" at 85%, while 67% of people received the second dose.

Preliminary data for 2019 show that cases have increased "in countries with high overall immunization coverage, including the United States," warned WHO.

The most dramatic increase in the number of cases at the beginning of the year has been reported in Africa, where vaccination coverage is lower than in other regions. Africa has seen a 700% increase over last year.

Since September, at least 800 children have died from measles in Madagascar, where severe malnutrition and a historically low vaccination rate lead to the worst epidemic in the world today.

France Media Agency