[ad_1]
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there are more than 112,000 confirmed measles cases worldwide this month, an increase of 300% over the 28,124 cases registered in the world. Last year.
The actual number of people affected is certainly higher. WHO only collects data on cases confirmed by laboratory tests or clinical visits. There are probably thousands of people who never see a doctor.
The virus causes severe flu-like symptoms and a characteristic bumpy rash. There is no cure, and the best course of action is to try to treat the symptoms as and when they occur. Generally not deadly in rich countries, this can cause permanent loss of sight. In the poorest countries, the chances of dying are much greater.
Quartz
Why this year's measles outbreak is more serious
There are two main factors. First, there is a global trend that skeptical parents can not get their children vaccinated because of false concerns about their safety. Measles has become largely preventable with two injections administered during childhood. In 2000, the Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the virus had been eliminated in the United States. Yet more than 700 cases have been recorded in 22 states this year.
The WHO estimates that globally, only about 85% of people received a first dose of vaccine and 67% received the second dose to make them completely immune. To stop the transmission of the virus, 95% of people must have the vaccine. Measles is a very contagious disease, transmitted through direct contact with a person who has it. "People are the only reservoir of the measles virus," James Goodson, an experienced measles scientist at the CDC, told NPR. Traveling around the world only increases the chances of spreading the virus.
The only way to stop the current outbreak is to ensure more children are vaccinated, Goodson told NPR. The problem is that many countries can explain why vaccination rates may be low – lack of infrastructure to safely distribute vaccines, mistrust of vaccines and public health care in general, or disturbances caused by conflicts.
Where measles hit hardest
The epidemic is the worst in Madagascar, where poor resources, limited medical care and malnutrition make the epidemic more widespread and more deadly. There are 62,000 confirmed cases, and estimates suggest that there are twice as many. Thousands of children are dead. Only about 58% of the country's 25.5 million people are vaccinated. The WHO says that cases are finally falling after starting a campaign last month to vaccinate children.
The Philippines is also experiencing a serious epidemic, with more than 33,000 cases. Like the United States, the Philippine government had badumed that the virus was eliminated. However, mistrust of vaccines – probably triggered by an early campaign to promote a dengue vaccine that may have fatal side effects for some children – has resulted in a drop in measles vaccination rates. The dengue vaccine has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and recommended to all children by WHO, despite safety concerns. After the death of hundreds of children as a result of complications, the campaign was stopped. But the number of Filipino parents who believe that vaccines are essential to their children's health has increased from about 80% to 20%.
Source link
