Measles Outbreaks Confirmed in Africa and Europe

According to the U.S. CDC, measles outbreaks can happen in areas where people may be unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. Right now, measles outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world.

Almost 17,338 measles cases were reported worldwide in January and February 2022, compared to 9,665 during the first two months of 2021.

As of April 2022, health agencies reported 21 large and disruptive measles outbreaks in the last year.

Countries with the most extensive recent measles outbreaks include Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia.

This increase is a worrying sign of a heightened risk for larger measles outbreaks, warned the WHO on April 27, 2022.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted immunization services, and we are now seeing a resurgence of deadly diseases, including measles. For many other diseases, the impact of these disruptions to immunization services will be felt for decades to come,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, in the media announcement.

Measles and rubella (“German measles”) are diseases that can lead to serious health complications or even death.

A measles infection can also lead to disabilities and long-term illness and put children at higher risk for other childhood killers, like pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and meningitis, because it destroys immunity to these sometimes-higher risk diseases.

According to the CDC, measles can enter the U.S. through infected U.S. travelers returning from other countries.

In 2019, the U.S. recorded the highest number of measles cases since 1992.

Measles outbreaks in New Jersey and New York during 2018-2019 lasted close to 11 months. In addition, these outbreaks were linked to Israel, Ukraine, and UK travel.

To alert travelers of their measles risks, the CDC recently issued Travel Notices for Afghanistan and Africa.

The CDC suggests prospective international travelers schedule a travel vaccine review with a qualified clinic or pharmacy one month before departure.

Travel vaccination appointments can be requested at this weblink.

Additional measles vaccine news is posted at PrecisionVaccinations.com/Measles.

Note: The WHO and CDC information was edited for clarity and curated for mobile readership.