Alarming Surge in Measles Cases Across the WHO European Region: Urgent Action Needed
Unprecedented Rise in Measles Cases
The WHO European Region is currently grappling with a concerning surge in measles cases, with over 30,000 reported between January and October 2023. This staggering number marks a more than 30-fold increase compared to the 941 cases reported throughout 2022. Urgent measures are imperative to curb this upward trend and prevent further transmission.
A Call to Action from WHO Regional Director
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting not only the drastic rise in cases but also nearly 21,000 hospitalizations and 5 measles-related deaths. The gravity of the issue underscores the crucial role of vaccination in protecting individuals, especially children, from this potentially dangerous disease.
Impact Across Age Groups
Measles has made an impact across all age groups in 2023, presenting a varied age distribution among affected individuals in different countries. Shockingly, 2 in 5 cases were reported among children aged 1 to 4, while 1 in 5 cases affected adults aged 20 and older. From January to October, a significant 20,918 hospitalized cases and 5 deaths were reported, emphasizing the urgency for widespread vaccination efforts.
Root Cause: Backsliding in Vaccination Coverage
The resurgence of measles is largely attributed to a decline in vaccination coverage in the region from 2020 to 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization efforts, resulting in a buildup of un- and under-vaccinated children. National coverage with the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine dropped from 96% in 2019 to 93% in 2022, with second-dose coverage decreasing from 92% to 91%. Shockingly, over 1.8 million infants missed their measles vaccination between 2020 and 2022.
Cross-Border Transmission and Local Solutions
The removal of COVID-19-related measures has heightened the risk of cross-border disease transmission, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. Cases have been reported even in countries that previously declared measles elimination. The situation calls for local solutions to address subnational gaps in coverage, emphasizing the need for tailored immunization strategies to promote vaccine equity.
WHO’s Response and Collaboration
Several countries in the region have initiated intensified routine immunization activities and catch-up campaigns. WHO/Europe, in collaboration with partners, is actively supporting countries with large outbreaks by conducting case investigations, vaccinating susceptible contacts, implementing infection control, raising awareness, enhancing disease surveillance, and planning outbreak response immunization.
Towards Measles Elimination: A Collective Effort
Elimination of both measles and rubella remains a top priority for all countries in the WHO European Region. Achieving and maintaining over 95% coverage with two doses of the measles-containing vaccine is crucial. Closing immunity gaps and sustaining high routine vaccination coverage are paramount in the ongoing battle against measles, underscoring the need for immediate and concerted action.
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