Thirty times more measles cases in Europe in 2023, WHO calls for urgent action

it is “An alarming increase», more than 30,000 cases of measles have been reported in 40 countries between January and October 2023 in the Europe Zone of the World Health Organization (WHO). That is a multiplication of more than 30 compared to the whole of 2022, when 941 cases were reported. What concerns the WHO, which specifies that “The rise in the number of cases has accelerated in recent months, and the trend is expected to continue unless immediate action is taken.” WHO therefore asks to carry out “Vaccination activities (…) to prevent immediate transmission and prevent spread“

Especially since many of these cases are severe: about 21,000 hospitalizations and 5 deaths in 2 countries have been linked to the disease. Cases affect all age groups, but 2 out of 5 cases are related to children aged 1 to 4 years and 1 out of 5 adults aged 20 and over. Most of the cases registered with WHO concern 4 countries: Kazakhstan (12,304 cases), Russian Federation (6131), Turkey (4602) and Kyrgyzstan (3639).

This is not the first time that measles has made headlines in Europe: in 2018, 41,000 people were infected with the disease, and 37 people died. The WHO reported nearly 89,000 cases in 2018, and more than 104,000 in 2019. After the epidemic decreased due to the Kovid-19 pandemic (between imprisonment, containment measures, suspension of travel, but also perhaps less good monitoring of the situation by the health system) overwhelmed by the epidemic…) seems to almost disappear in 2021. But he wants to start over with a vengeance.

Very inadequate vaccination coverage

This revival, explains the WHO, “Attributed largely to a decline in vaccination coverage (…) between 2020 and 2022” The Kovid-19 epidemic played a big role in this, which contributed to the growing distrust of vaccines. Although vaccination is highly effective, and with 2 doses, it can prevent almost 100% of cases. That is why its generalization gives hope of eradicating the disease. Although the rate of vaccinated people is very high, at least 95%: Measles is a highly contagious disease through coughing, sneezing and nasal secretions and it is estimated that one infected person can infect 15 to 15 people. 20 more! WHO According to the European region, two-dose vaccination coverage increased from 92 to 91% between 2019 and 2022, leaving more than 1.8 million infants unvaccinated. In 2010, vaccination coverage was only 80% (for two doses), but now since 2017 seems to be stuck.

“Vaccination is the only way to protect children against this potentially dangerous diseaseDr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, suggests in a press release. It is essential that all countries are prepared to rapidly detect and respond to measles outbreaks as they can jeopardize progress towards measles elimination.» In 1980, before the generalization of vaccination, the annual number of measles-related deaths worldwide was estimated at 2.6 million, the Immunization Information Service indicates.

In France, the success of compulsory vaccination

In France, the figures for 2023 have not yet been published but Public Health France noted last June that the Covid-19 pandemic had made it possible. “Significant decline in the number of reported cases from April 2020, followed by almost non-existent viral circulation in 2021 which continued throughout 2022”, unlike other respiratory viruses. The Public Health Agency saw it as a success “Since 2018, observed improvements in 2-dose MMR vaccination coverage among infants born under Vaccination liability and on the other hand, by acquired immunity during the last epidemic”. In 2022, fifteen cases of this notifiable disease, including five imported cases, were reported in the country, and no deaths were reported.

However, even if the vaccination coverage rate benefits from the fact that vaccination was made mandatory, the population as a whole “The objective of 95% two-dose vaccination coverage has not yet been achieved and the population remains under-vaccinated.

A public health concern in France, particularly in adolescents and young adults or in certain populations remote from the health system”..