Ten Countries Confirmed Measles Outbreaks in 2022

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published its list of countries reporting measles outbreaks in 2022. Right now, measles outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world. 

As of August 12, 2022, the unfortunate leaders on the CDC's list are Nigeria (18,628), India (7,283), and Pakistan (5,506).

And Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health reported a case fatality rate of 6.9% (80 people) since April 2022.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 41 countries delayed their measles campaigns.

This action increased the risk of more extensive outbreaks worldwide, including in the USA.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the USA in 2000, about 1,300 measles cases were reported in 31 states in 2019, the most significant number since 1992.

Measles generally enters the USA when an infected international traveler returns from overseas.

To alert international travelers, the CDC recently issued a Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions, notice regarding measles outbreaks throughout Africa.

The good news from the CDC is that as of August 4, 2022, only six measles cases have been confirmed this year.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. And there are several U.S FDA-approved measles vaccines available, such as Priorix and M-M-M II.

These vaccines are available in the USA at clinics and local pharmacies.

Furthermore, the CDC suggests speaking with a certified travel vaccine advisor before visiting any measles-endemic area.

Note: The CDC information was manually curated for mobile readership. And updated on August 15, 2022.