According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of the world will be at a 'high or very high risk' of measles outbreaks by the end of 2024. The increase in measles cases globally has been attributed to a significant number of missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus that can result in severe complications and even death. While it primarily affects children, individuals of any age can be impacted. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash all over the body.
WHO data indicates that last year saw over 300,000 reported measles cases worldwide, representing a 79% surge from the previous year. Global vaccination rates have declined to 83%, raising concerns about the potential for outbreaks in numerous countries.
As of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a total of 20 measles cases across 11 jurisdictions in the United States. States such as Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, and others have confirmed cases of the disease.
It is crucial to emphasize that vaccines are deemed safe by multiple large-scale studies. The CDC has debunked any scientific connection between vaccines and autism, underscoring the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.
