The United States has reported its first measles-related death since 2015, with an unvaccinated child succumbing to the disease in rural West Texas. This tragic incident comes amidst a measles outbreak in the region, with Texas confirming 124 cases and New Mexico reporting nine.
Experts attribute the rise in measles cases to declining vaccination rates globally, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the U.S., most states have fallen below the recommended 95% vaccination threshold for kindergartners, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
Across the Atlantic, Britain recorded its highest annual number of measles cases in 2024 since 2012, with 2,911 confirmed cases. Meanwhile, the U.S. witnessed a nearly twofold increase in measles cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, sparking concerns among health officials.
Measles outbreaks are not unique to the U.S., as highlighted by the World Health Organization's data. In 2023, an estimated 10.3 million people worldwide were infected with measles, resulting in 107,500 deaths. The majority of cases occurred in regions with low incomes and inadequate healthcare services, such as parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
While measles-related deaths saw a slight decline in 2023, the number of outbreaks surged, affecting 57 countries including India, Indonesia, Russia, Yemen, and Iraq. The Democratic Republic of the Congo reported the highest number of cases at 311,500.
Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing measles outbreaks, with the global childhood vaccination rate dropping to 83% in 2023. The WHO estimates that vaccinations have prevented over 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023, underscoring the importance of immunization efforts.
To combat the spread of measles, international organizations are supporting the 'Immunization Agenda 2021-2030' initiative aimed at eliminating the disease. While the Americas were declared measles-free in 2016, outbreaks in Brazil and Venezuela led to a loss of that status in 2018. Efforts to eradicate measles are hindered by declining vaccination rates, prompting a renewed focus on immunization programs worldwide.
