WHO and UNICEF point out vaccination setback during Covid-19 pandemic
Europe and Central Asia recorded, throughout 2024, a total of 127,350 measles-twice as much accounted for in 2023 and the largest number since 1997. The data were released on Thursday (13) by the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In a joint statement, the entities warn that children under 5 years account for 40% of measles reported in the region. In more than half of these cases, according to the statement, it was necessary to hospitalize the patient. In all, 38 deaths from the disease were reported based on preliminary data received until March 5.
According to WHO, measles cases in Europe and Central Asia have been falling since 2017, when 216,000 new infections were accounted for. In 2016, the lowest number of cases was recorded: 4,440. Infections, however, rose from 2018 to 2019, when 89 thousand and 106 thousand cases were identified, respectively.
“Following a backward to vaccine coverage during the Covid-19 pandemic, measles cases rose again in 2023 and 2024. Vaccination rates in several countries have not yet returned to pre-parish levels, increasing the risk of outbreaks,” the note warned.
Also according to the statement, Europe and Central Asia currently respond for a third of the total measles cases recorded on the planet. Only in 2023, 500,000 children living in regiam did not receive the first dose of the disease vaccination scheme, which should be applied through routine immunization services.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses that affect people. In addition to the risk of hospitalization and death caused by complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea and dehydration, the disease can cause debilitating health problems such as blindness. ”
“Measles can also damage the immune system by ‘erasing’ from its memory as combating infections, leaving survivors vulnerable to other diseases. Vaccination is the best line of defense against the virus, ”said WHO and UNICEF.
The entities also warn that countries that currently do not record measles outbreaks should prepare, including to identify and remedy immunization gaps, “building and supporting public trust in vaccines and keeping health systems strong.”
Transmission and symptoms
Measles is classified by sanitary authorities as a severe infectious disease that can lead to death. Transmission happens when someone infected coughs, speaks, sneezing or breathing close to other people.
The main signs of measles are:
- Red spots on the body
- High fever, above 38.5 °
- Dry cough
- Eye irritation (conjunctivitis)
- Groan or clogged
- Intense evil
After stains, fever persistence is a warning sign and may indicate severity, especially in children under 5 years of age.
