BUFFALO, N.Y. — The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says measles cases are surging worldwide, with more than 10 million people infected in 2023. They say that's a 20% increase from 2023.
The CDC, which put out the report last week, says inadequate immunization coverage is driving the increase in cases. According to their data, "57 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023, affecting all regions except the Americas, and representing a nearly 60% increase from 36 countries in the previous year."
More than 107,000 people died of measles in 2023, mostly children under the age of 5. While that is a decrease compared to cases in 2022, they say the decrease in deaths was only because the children with measles were in countries with better access to healthcare and nutrition.
As of November 7, 2024, the CDC reported that there are 277 confirmed cases of measles across the United States with more than 41% of them under the ager of 5.
Health officials say the best way to prevent measles is to get two doses of the measles vaccine. However, they say 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023. Of those that did get their first vaccine dose, only 74% received a second dose.
"Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live."
"The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health," CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. "The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access."
While cases are surging in some regions, many countries have maintained measles elimination. Health officials say countries must do more to manage the disease and optimize their immunization programs.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024
