Measles outbreaks are conceivable due to a 'perfect storm' of conditions, according to the WHO and UNICEF. The World Health Organization and UNICEF are warning of a "perfect storm" of factors that might lead to large-scale measles outbreaks, highlighting alarming signals of heightened danger as global measles infections are significantly higher this year than they were a year ago.
The groups noted in a joint news statement that recorded measles cases worldwide climbed by about 80% in the first two months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, adding that conditions are "ripe" for catastrophic outbreaks of the vaccine-preventable sickness.
"Pandemic-related disruptions, growing inequalities in vaccine access, and diverting resources away from routine immunisation are leaving too many children without protection against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases," the organisations said, adding that the risk of large outbreaks "has increased as communities relax social distancing practises and other COVID-19 preventive measures implemented during the peak of the pandemic."
About 17,338 measles cases were reportedly registered worldwide in January and February 2022, compared to 9,665 in the first two months of 2021. Because measles is highly contagious, cases tend to emerge fast when vaccination rates drop, according to the report.
There has been 21 significant and disruptive measles outbreaks around the world in the previous 12 months as of April 2022. Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most measles epidemics. According to Unicef, insufficient measles vaccine coverage is the main cause of outbreaks wherever they occur. Children can be protected against measles if they have at least 95% coverage with two doses of the safe and effective measles vaccination.
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