The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on Tuesday warning of a sharp increase in European measles cases. According to the WHO, this increase seriously threatens progress in the fight against the disease.
Between January and October 2023, more than 30,000 measles cases were reported in Europe, which, compared to 941 cases in 2022, represents a 30-fold increase. Of this number, nearly 21,000 people required hospitalization, and five died.
WHO representatives indicated that such a sharp increase results from low vaccination rates due to missed vaccinations among children during the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022, more than 1.8 million infants in Europe remained unvaccinated against measles.
“Vaccination is the only way to protect children from this potentially dangerous disease,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge.
Many European countries have already launched campaigns to catch up on missed vaccinations. For example, the United Kingdom, where the incidence has increased, is launching new initiatives to ensure that children can receive vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella.
