As of early 2019, over 100,000 measles cases have emerged globally, prompting urgent calls from health authorities for vaccination. The alarming statistics released recently show a staggering 300% increase in measles cases compared to the same period last year. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 110,000 cases have been documented worldwide, with the numbers expected to rise further.
WHO highlights that even countries with high vaccination rates, such as the United States, Israel, Thailand, and Tunisia, are experiencing significant outbreaks due to unvaccinated clusters. “Measles is almost entirely preventable with two doses of a safe and effective vaccine,” the organization stated, noting that global vaccination coverage for the first dose has stagnated at 85%, far below the 95% threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 90 new measles cases last week, bringing the total to 555 for 2019, with incidents reported across 20 states, including New York, California, and Texas. Dr. Linda Thompson from the CDC expressed concern, stating, “The current outbreak is serious and will not resolve without intervention.”
This resurgence can be attributed in part to the anti-vaccination movement, which thrives on misinformation spread via social media. Public health expert Rachel Williams emphasized, “The effects of false information and the erosion of trust in vaccines have been underestimated.”
Last year, measles claimed around 110,000 lives globally, predominantly affecting children. Even in well-resourced countries, the disease can result in fatalities or severe long-term disabilities like hearing loss and brain damage. Measles is highly contagious; an infected person can transmit the virus to unvaccinated individuals hours after leaving a room. Achieving herd immunity through a 95% vaccination rate is vital, especially for those unable to receive the vaccine, such as infants or immunocompromised individuals.
Historically, high vaccination rates allowed the U.S. to declare measles eliminated in 2000, with sporadic cases arising from international travel. However, communities with low vaccination rates are now witnessing significant outbreaks, particularly in areas like New York and Washington State.
In a joint opinion piece, UNICEF’s Henrietta Fore and WHO’s Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned, “By the time you finish reading this, at least 40 individuals—mostly children—will be infected with this rapidly spreading, life-threatening virus.” They highlighted that in many high- and middle-income nations, parental hesitance regarding vaccines, fueled by online misinformation, is exacerbating the crisis.
The call to action is clear: we must dispel myths about vaccines, ensure comprehensive vaccination outreach, and safeguard our children from preventable diseases. According to them, there is no valid debate regarding the critical benefits of vaccines. Children are suffering due to complacency.
If your children haven’t yet received their two MMR vaccines, you are contributing to a global health crisis that endangers young lives. For more information on fertility preservation and options available for women, you can visit this link. Additionally, for those considering family planning, check out this resource for insights on home insemination kits. Lastly, the CDC provides an excellent resource for understanding infertility and related issues, which can be found at this page.
Summary:
The WHO has issued urgent warnings about the dramatic rise in measles cases, which have surged by 300% in 2019, urging vaccinations to combat the outbreaks linked to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Communities must prioritize immunization to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further spread of the disease.