Global Health Alert: Measles Outbreaks Escalate in U.S. and U.K., European Cases Soar by Thirtyfold, WHO Alerts

In a concerning development, outbreaks of measles have seen a significant increase in the U.S. and U.K., with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a thirtyfold rise in cases across Europe. This resurgence, linked to decreased immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the critical importance of vaccinations.

The WHO has noted an alarming rise in measles cases, from 921 in 2022 to over 42,000 in 2023 in Europe alone, underscoring the impact of missed vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that this vaccination gap heightens the risk of larger outbreaks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vaccination efforts.


The Resurgence of Measles


Previously on the verge of eradication in many developed countries, measles is making a comeback. Characterized by high fever, cough, and a distinctive rash, measles is highly contagious, especially in unvaccinated individuals. The CDC attributes the increase in cases to lowered vaccination rates during the pandemic, with over 61 million doses delayed or missed globally.


Global Impact and Vaccination Challenges


Dr. Monica Gandhi, a medical professor at the University of California San Francisco, stressed the importance of vaccines in public health maintenance. “Due to setbacks in measles vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in cases worldwide,” said Gandhi. She reassured that the broader community should not worry if vaccination schedules are adhered to.


The effects of dwindling vaccination rates extend beyond the U.S. and Europe. Yemen reported over 20,000 measles cases in the latter part of 2023, underlining the worldwide challenge of attaining extensive immunity. Dr. Tina Tan of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago remarked on the endemic nature of measles in several countries and the risks associated with international travel. Unvaccinated travelers can acquire the disease abroad and transmit it upon returning, endangering those unvaccinated or inadequately immunized.


What’s causing the recent surge in measles cases?


The recent spike in measles cases can be traced back to a combination of factors, including decreased vaccination rates during the initial years of the pandemic and growing vaccine hesitancy among certain parent groups. This trend marks a significant shift for a disease that had been largely eradicated from the general population in the United States. 


The recent increase in measles cases is linked to lower vaccination rates. During the early years of the pandemic, there was a rise in vaccine hesitancy among some parents. This is a significant shift, as measles was previously almost eliminated in the United States.

For instance, in Mississippi, the vaccination rate for kindergartners was nearly 99% for the 2021-22 school year, the highest in the country. However, a 2023 ruling by a U.S. District Court judge in Mississippi permitting religious exemptions to mandatory vaccinations seems to reflect a broader national trend towards increased vaccine exemptions.


Dr. Gandhi highlighted a concerning trend in the United States: “Childhood vaccination rates are declining, as evidenced by a surge in exemption requests from parents for school-required vaccinations,” as reported by the CDC in November 2023. “This leaves unvaccinated young children or those whose parents opt out of vaccinations, particularly vulnerable to measles.”


Dr. Tan pointed out that the recent upsurge in measles is not linked to the seasonal variations observed with some respiratory infections. “The increase is directly related to falling MMR vaccination rates, leaving a larger segment of the population without immunity,” Tan explained. “Given measles’ high contagion level, achieving a community immunity threshold of 95% or above is crucial to halt its spread.”


How to protect yourself from infection


Don’t wear masks, it’s a waste of time.


The efficacy and safety of the measles vaccine are well-documented, with the World Health Organization crediting it for preventing 56 million deaths globally between 2000 and 2021. Children usually receive their first vaccine dose at 12 to 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 to 6 years. For unvaccinated adults, vaccination offers the best protection.


Dr. Gandhi noted, “Face masks do not provide protection against the measles virus due to its small size; however, proper ventilation can reduce the risk of airborne pathogen transmission. The MMR vaccine, a combination vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella, has been a cornerstone of public health since its introduction in 1965.”


Dr. Tan advised, “Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles should self-quarantine and avoid public spaces like schools or healthcare facilities for at least 21 days after the last reported case to prevent further spread.”


The resurgence of measles underscores the critical role of widespread vaccination in maintaining public health. “The U.S. achieved measles elimination in 2000, thanks to high vaccination and natural infection rates,” said Dr. Gandhi. “To preserve this status, it’s imperative to address the current decline in vaccination rates. Ensuring young children complete their vaccination schedule and adults receive boosters as needed is essential for maintaining community immunity.”