The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of an “alarming rise” in measles after cases increased 44-fold throughout Europe in 2023.
Some 42,200 infections were detected across the continent in the first 10 months of 2023 – up from 941 total cases in the previous year.
Nearly 21,000 patients were meanwhile hospitalised last year as a result of the highly contagious disease, typically spread by coughing and sneezing, while five people died, the WHO said on Tuesday.
In parts of Europe, measles patients are admitted to hospital regardless of whether their symptoms are severe or not, a WHO spokesperson said, which accounts for the continent’s high hospitalisation rate.
Health officials said Covid-related disruptions to routine measles vaccination programmes were partly responsible. During the pandemic, 1.8 million infants in Europe missed out on their measles jab, which is administered in two doses – at 12-months-old and three years.
WHO Europe’s regional director, Dr Hans Kluge, called for “urgent vaccination efforts” to prevent the further spread of measles.
“It is vital that all countries are prepared to rapidly detect and timely respond to measles outbreaks, which could endanger progress towards measles elimination,” he said in a statement released on Tuesday.
Increased transmission
In 2023, measles affected all age groups, with significant differences in the age distribution of cases among countries, the WHO said.
Overall, two in five cases were among children aged one to four, and one in five cases were among adults aged 20 years and older.
The resumption of domestic and international travel and removal of social and public health measures linked to Covid-19 have also increased the risk of transmission within communities, especially in under-vaccinated countries in Europe, the WHO added.
Romania has one of the lowest coverage rates, with only 62 per cent of children under two fully protected against measles. This compares to around 96 per cent in Norway and 97 per cent in Sweden.
In Europe as a whole, 93 per cent of the population had received a first measles jab in 2022 – down from 96 per cent in 2019. Second-dose coverage fell from 92 per cent to 91 per cent over the same period.
National emergency
The WHO’s warning comes as measles cases soared to their highest level in Britain since the 1990s – prompting the UK Health Security Agency to declare a national incident as of last week.
In cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham, only 75 per cent of five-year-olds are fully vaccinated, NHS figures show. Nationally, 85 per cent of the population is protected with two doses.
The West Midlands is considered the epicentre of the current outbreak, with 216 confirmed cases since October 1 and a further 103 “probable” cases, according to officials.
NHS England rolled out an emergency vaccination campaign on Monday in response.
Measles can affect any age group, but complications are more acute in those under five and over 30 years. If contracted in pregnancy, the disease can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or premature birth.
Symptoms usually begin 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, and include a prominent rash, running rose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks.
Complications include blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, and breathing problems including pneumonia. Death can occur in very rare cases.
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