Measles Deaths Surge Worldwide, Like an Unvaccinated Wildfire

Measles Outbreak Continues to Ravage Globally, Claiming 136,000 Lives in 2019

Measles cases spike globally, claiming 136,000 lives in the past year.

“This just in! Measles deaths are staging a dramatic comeback on the global stage, thanks to a wave of infections among unvaccinated children. It’s like measles got a promotion from being a seasonal”has-been” to a full-blown, international superstar.”

You heard it right, deaths from measles have skyrocketed by a staggering 43% worldwide in 2022 compared to the previous year. In case you’re wondering, that translates to a whopping 136,000 unfortunate souls lost to this preventable disease. As expected, kids have taken the hardest hit.

Health experts over at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveiled these chilling statistics in their latest report. It’s as if they’re waving a giant red flag, frantically signaling for urgent action.

“The increase in measles outbreaks and deaths is staggering, but unfortunately, not unexpected given the declining vaccination rates we’ve seen in the past few years,” says John Vertefeuille, director of CDC’s Global Immunization Division. “Measles cases anywhere pose a risk to all countries and communities where people are under-vaccinated. Urgent, targeted efforts are critical to prevent measles disease and deaths.”

So, here’s the deal: in 2022, no less than 37 countries had to grapple with large or disruptive measles outbreaks, compared to a measly 22 countries the year before. And the fun didn’t stop there. Africa saw a wild spread of measles across 26 nations, while the Eastern Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, and Europe joined in on the not-so-festive occasion.

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Now, let’s talk vaccination, shall we? We have a two-dose vaccination that can easily put measles in its place (which is not at all in our children). However, a shocking 33 million children missed their chance to do the vaccination dance. That’s right, folks, nearly 22 million kids never received their first dose, and an additional 11 million completely ghosted their second dose.

We’re not trying to be party poopers here, but the global vaccination coverage rate for the first dose stands at a mere 83%, while the coverage for the second dose is a sad 74%. We’re far from the desired 95% coverage that waves the flag of herd immunity, protecting communities from future outbreaks.

Surprise, surprise, low-income countries continue to have the lowest vaccination rates, sitting at a pitiful 66%. And if you’re curious who’s taking the hardest hit in this measles party gone wrong, have a look at the top contenders: Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines. These ten countries account for more than half of the 22 million children who missed their first dose.

Kate O’Brien, director for Immunization, Vaccine and Biologicals at WHO, aptly summed up the situation: “The lack of recovery in measles vaccine coverage in low-income countries following the pandemic is an alarm bell for action. Measles is called the inequity virus for a good reason. It is the disease that will find and attack those who aren’t protected. Children everywhere have the right to be protected by the lifesaving measles vaccine, no matter where they live.”

Okay, folks, it’s time for us to take a moment and reflect. The comeback of measles deaths is no joke, and we need to get our act together. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, both figuratively and literally, and ensure that all children receive the lifesaving protection they deserve.

If you want to know more about the measles menace, head on over to the World Health Organization’s website. Let’s nip this outbreak in the bud, shall we? The world is counting on us!

More information: The World Health Organization has more about measles.

So, did you know about the surge in measles deaths? What do you think we can do to tackle this global issue? Share your thoughts and let’s have a lively discussion!