WHO report details numbers of measles cases

The World Health Organization has reported 440,263 confirmed cases of measles as of Nov. 5., with most in Africa.

Specifically, in Africa, outbreaks are ongoing in Madagascar, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the Congo, there are 250,270 suspected cases with 5,110 associated deaths. In the past week, there has been a reported increase of more than 8,000 cases there. Also, Guinea had 4,690 suspected measles cases, while Chad had 25,596 suspected cases. Outbreak vaccination response activities are underway in these countries.

There have also been outbreaks in Europe. Ukraine has 56,802 reported cases, followed by Kazakhstan with 10,126 cases, Georgia with 3,904 cases, Russia with 3,521 cases, Turkey with 2,666 cases, and Kyrgyzstan with 2,228 cases of measles. The outbreaks in Georgia, Russia, and Turkey have been resolved.

There have also been cases in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, New Zealand, Cambodia, Venezuela, Colombia, and the Pacific Islands. Further, there were two outbreaks in the United States in New York State, but both have been resolved.

The WHO and partners are working to enhance preparedness for measles outbreak response, strengthen public trust in vaccines, improve clinical management of measles cases, and implement outbreak response immunization activities.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of measles-containing vaccines. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms include high fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis, cough, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. This is followed by a rash that starts on the face and upper neck and gradually spreads downwards. Most people recover within 2–3 weeks.

The WHO says immunization is the most effective preventive measure against measles. The organization recommends that all regions maintain high measles vaccination coverage with the required vaccination of two doses of the measles vaccine.