Measles cases rise in the US. What’s happening globally
Measles cases rise in the US (Photo: Getty Images)
A surge in measles cases is raising alarms worldwide, with the US reporting its first measles-related death since 2015, according to AP News.
Health experts are linking the rise to declining vaccination rates, a trend observed globally since the COVID-19 pandemic. As the US and other countries face increasing outbreaks, concerns about public health safety and vaccination coverage continue to grow.
Situation in the US and abroad
The US recently recorded its first measles-related death in nearly a decade during an outbreak in rural West Texas. The victim, an unvaccinated child, was among 124 cases reported in Texas, with nine additional cases identified in neighboring New Mexico. Typically, US measles cases are linked to international travel; however, local transmission is becoming more common. Health experts attribute the rise in measles cases to declining vaccination rates.
The increase in measles cases is not limited to the US. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10.3 million people were infected with measles in 2023, resulting in 107,500 deaths. The majority of these cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals or young children. Regions most affected include parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where healthcare access and vaccination rates are often lower.
Decline in global vaccination rates
One of the primary reasons for the resurgence of measles globally is the decline in childhood vaccination rates. The WHO reports that global vaccination coverage dropped from 86% in 2019 to 83% in 2023, partly due to healthcare disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many US states are now below the 95% vaccination threshold needed for community immunity, making them more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Efforts to combat the spread are ongoing, but challenges persist as vaccination rates continue to drop. Debates on vaccine safety have also intensified with Robert Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as US Secretary of Health.
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