Measles is a highly contagious viral disease presenting symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a distinctive red rash. It spreads through the air by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can also linger in the air and on surfaces for several hours, remaining infectious.
There has been a global rise in measles cases, with the European region experiencing a staggering 3182% increase in 2023 compared to 2022, and the USA seeing an almost 48% increase between January 2023 and April 2024 compared to the previous year. In our latest M3 Pulse survey, we asked over 7100 healthcare professionals about their concerns regarding the measles outbreak.
Most deaths from measles are from complications related to the disease including:
- Blindness
- Encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling and potentially brain damage)
- Severe diarrhoea and related dehydration
- Ear infections
- Severe breathing problems including pneumonia
Historically, measles has been a significant global health challenge. Documented as early as the 9th century, its serious implications were recognised when Francis Home demonstrated its infectious nature in the 18th century.
Prior to widespread vaccination, measles was a major cause of death, particularly in children. The development of a vaccine in the 1960s dramatically reduced cases worldwide, though outbreaks still occur, primarily in areas with low vaccination coverage.*
In 2022, there were an estimated 136,000 global deaths due to measles, predominantly among children under the age of five.* Measles can be prevented with two doses of the vaccine. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, measles remains a public health challenge, exacerbated by disruptions in vaccination programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between 2021 and 2022, approximately 33 million children worldwide did not receive a measles vaccine dose. In low-income countries, where measles mortality rates are the highest, vaccination rates are at 66%, showing no improvement from the decline experienced during the pandemic. *
Read more about the measles outbreak:
As a healthcare professional, how concerned are you about the measles outbreak? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Current Status of Measles Outbreaks in the US and Europe
Compared to the period 2020-2022, there was an increase in the number of reported measles cases and outbreaks globally in 2023.
Measles cases in the European Region skyrocketed from 941 in 2022 to over 30,000 in 2023, marking a 3182% increase. This surge indicates extensive outbreaks, with countries such as Romania, Liechtenstein, Austria, and several in Central Asia and the Middle East experiencing particularly high numbers of measles cases. Within the European Union and EEA region alone, measles cases jumped from 127 in 2022 to 2,361 in 2023, a 1759% increase. * *
In the United States, where measles was eliminated in 2000, case numbers have remained low but sporadic, primarily linked to international travel. From 121 cases in 2022, the number rose to a total of 179 measles cases during the combined period of 2023 (58 cases) and up to April 2024 (121 cases), representing a 47.93% increase. * In response to this recent surge, the WHO Region of the Americas issued an epidemiological alert in January 2024, urging countries to strengthen and maintain adequate measles vaccination coverage. Although these numbers are concerning, they remain below the peak seen in 2019, which saw 1,274 measles cases, the highest number since 1992.
In 2023, the top 10 countries with the highest number of measles cases were:*
- Kazakhstan – 27,280 cases
- Azerbaijan – 26,744 cases
- Iraq – 20,469 cases
- India – 13,523 cases
- Yemen – 12,785 cases
- Kyrgyzstan – 10,024 cases
- Pakistan – 9,575 cases
- Russian Federation – 9,373 cases
- Ethiopia – 6,724 cases
- Indonesia – 4,380 cases
The resurgence of measles cases in 2023, particularly in regions that had previously seen low incidence rates, raises critical questions about the global community’s approach to vaccination and disease prevention. While extensive efforts have been successful in the past, the recent spikes in cases serve as a reminder of the fragility of these gains in the face of disrupted healthcare services and international mobility.
Healthcare Professionals’' Concerns Regarding the Measles Outbreak
In our latest M3 Pulse survey, conducted in March of this year, 7153 panel members who work as healthcare providers around the world were asked about the measles outbreak. Being at the forefront of dealing with patients, we wanted to gauge their level of concern about the number of measles cases in their respective countries.
See the full M3 Pulse Result Here:
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M3 Pulse is a one-question online survey we conduct every month with our M3 panel members. It´s a fun and easy way to share your opinions about trending healthcare topics, like the importance of AI, with healthcare professionals worldwide. If you want to participate in this month´s M3 Pulse, register and join the M3 panel today.
The majority of respondents indicated some level of concern, ranging from very concerned to not very concerned. 45% reported feeling concerned to very concerned, whereas 23% felt moderately concerned. Only 14% feel unconcerned, and 15% feel slightly concerned, indicating that about one-third do not find the current number of measles cases alarming.
Do you find the recent measles outbreak alarming, or do you see it as a seasonal fluctuation that will soon be mitigated? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Measles Transmission Control and Prevention of the Measles Outbreak
Measles does not have a specific treatment. Care primarily focuses on symptom relief and prevention of complications. Adequate hydration, a healthy diet, and managing symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting are crucial. Antibiotics may be used to treat secondary infections like pneumonia or ear and eye infections. Additionally, administering two doses of vitamin A supplements 24 hours apart is recommended for all measles patients. This not only replenishes depleted vitamin A levels but can also help prevent serious outcomes like eye damage and potentially reduce mortality rates associated with measles.*
To mitigate the surge of measles cases, global strategies include:
- Rapid Detection: Quickly identifying measles cases to halt further outbreaks is crucial. This strategy includes immediate reporting and confirmation of suspected measles instances to prevent widespread transmission.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Analysing epidemiological data helps in understanding outbreak dynamics and guiding public health decisions. This ensures interventions are informed and targeted, optimising the impact of response efforts.
- Outbreak Response Immunisation Campaigns: Planning and executing immunisation campaigns swiftly in response to detected measles outbreaks. This proactive approach aims to curb the spread by immunising at-risk populations promptly.
- Resource Allocation: Efficiently locating and directing resources to the areas most in need. This involves ensuring measles vaccines, medical supplies, and human resources reach critical locations without delay.
- Laboratory Analysis: Enhancing laboratory capacity to support diagnostic testing and surveillance. This ensures rapid confirmation of cases and aids in monitoring the spread of the measles virus.
These efforts, led by organisations like the CDC, aim to strengthen both global and national health security by improving vaccination coverage and outbreak responsiveness.
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