The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on global cases of measles in 2023 — and it is concerning. In 2023, there were approximately 10.3 million cases of measles worldwide, an increase of 20% from 2022. As a result, 107,500 people died from measles, mostly children younger than 5 years of age. Interestingly, despite the increase in cases, the number of deaths actually decreased compared with 2022. This was because many of the 2023 cases occurred in locations with better access to health services and nutrition, compared with 2022.
Where did the outbreaks occur?
- In 2023, 57 countries experienced large outbreaks of measles, with almost half occurring in the African region.
- Vaccine coverage of 95% or greater is needed in a country or community to prevent outbreaks. Coverage is determined by receipt of two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Global gaps in coverage were identified as the driving force in the surge of global cases.
What can be done?
- Countries need to develop and maintain high-performing routine immunization programs.
- When this is not possible due to conflict or other vulnerabilities in the routine system, countries should implement high-quality, high-coverage vaccination campaigns.
- Global disease surveillance must be strengthened. This is particularly critical as early detection allows for quick responses, reducing the size of individual outbreaks and overall number of people infected.
Read the full press release here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on global cases of measles in 2023 — and it is concerning. In 2023, there were approximately 10.3 million cases of measles worldwide, an increase of 20% from 2022. As a result, 107,500 people died from measles, mostly children younger than 5 years of age. Interestingly, despite the increase in cases, the number of deaths actually decreased compared with 2022. This was because many of the 2023 cases occurred in locations with better access to health services and nutrition, compared with 2022.
Where did the outbreaks occur?
- In 2023, 57 countries experienced large outbreaks of measles, with almost half occurring in the African region.
- Vaccine coverage of 95% or greater is needed in a country or community to prevent outbreaks. Coverage is determined by receipt of two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Global gaps in coverage were identified as the driving force in the surge of global cases.
What can be done?
- Countries need to develop and maintain high-performing routine immunization programs.
- When this is not possible due to conflict or other vulnerabilities in the routine system, countries should implement high-quality, high-coverage vaccination campaigns.
- Global disease surveillance must be strengthened. This is particularly critical as early detection allows for quick responses, reducing the size of individual outbreaks and overall number of people infected.
Read the full press release here.