Europe is grappling with an unprecedented surge in measles cases, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue a warning on Tuesday. The region witnessed a staggering over 30-fold rise in measles cases in 2023 compared to the previous year, with more than 30,000 reported cases across 40 member states.
The surge has resulted in the hospitalization of 21,000 individuals and five fatalities. The WHO emphasizes that urgent measures are essential to curb further spread and prevent a prolonged outbreak. If immediate actions are not taken, the rising trend is likely to persist.
National Incident in the UK: A Critical Outbreak
In response to an outbreak in central England, the UK health agency has declared a “national incident.” While COVID-19 lockdowns initially led to a decline in measles cases, the virus has resurfaced with significant impact, prompting heightened concerns in the UK.
Beyond the UK, Romania is on red alert, having declared a national measles epidemic. Tragically, four unvaccinated individuals, including three babies and one adult, have succumbed to measles-related complications. Austria and France have also faced significant outbreaks, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Measles cases on the rise in parts of Europe and Central Asia: WHO
Vaccination Coverage Challenges for Measles Cases
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlights suboptimal vaccination coverage as a key contributor to the measles resurgence. The average vaccination coverage in the EU/EEA has declined since 2020, with concerns raised about the efficacy of preventive measures.
Hungary, Slovakia, and Portugal boast the highest measles vaccination levels in the EU, while Estonia and Romania lag behind. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns of the potential for the surge in the West Midlands to spread to other regions, underscoring the urgency of boosting vaccination uptake.
Appeal for Vaccination and Lifelong Protection
Health authorities stress the importance of receiving two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for lifelong protection. The UKHSA reports 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases in the West Midlands since October 2023, with a majority among children under 10.
Siddhartha Datta, WHO Europe’s regional adviser on immunization, emphasizes the safety and efficacy of measles vaccines. At a recent press conference, Datta highlighted the vaccines’ track record in preventing deaths and diseases, emphasizing their critical role in curbing the current outbreak.
Measles: A Highly Contagious Threat
Measles, a highly contagious viral illness, spreads easily through respiratory droplets. The WHO underscores its potential to cause severe disease, complications, and even death, particularly among children. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash.
As Europe battles this alarming resurgence of measles, collaborative efforts, and proactive vaccination strategies are crucial to mitigate the impact and protect vulnerable populations. The WHO’s warning serves as a rallying call for immediate and unified action to contain the measles outbreak and safeguard public health across the continent.
