Measles, which was virtually eradicated with great struggle in the 1990s, started to climb again in 2023. The number of cases has increased 40 times in the last year. It reached 5 thousand 584 cases by December 2023. Speaking to Fox News, Turkish Medical Association Family Medicine Branch President Dr. Emrah Kırımlı “Unfortunately, we have been facing a measles epidemic for the last year. Before 2022, it was between 0 and 10. The number of cases, which was 127 in total in 2022-2023, increased to 4 thousand 584 in December 2023. That is, it increased 40 times.” said.
Türkiye IS THE FIRST COUNTRY WITH THE HIGHEST MEASLES CASES
With these numbers, Turkey has become the country with the highest number of measles cases in Europe.
WARNING FROM WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Turkey about the increase.
While it was stated that the measles vaccine, which is a school age vaccine, was not administered during the pandemic period, families did not take their children to family health centers, thinking that it would be administered at school. Experts pointed out that there was a large increase in measles cases due to missing vaccination.
“NEARLY 3 MILLION CHILDREN REMAIN IN THE UNVACCINATED GROUP”
Dr. Kırımlı said, “There was hesitation against the vaccine. Because it was administered in schools. For this reason, nearly 3 million children remained in this intermediate group. We called these families one by one and invited them to family health centers during the summer months. We completed the vaccinations of those who came, but this vaccine hesitancy was still a bit of a factor.” “If anything, he’s hindering us.” he said.
‘DEADLY DISEASE’ WARNING
Experts are concerned about the epidemic, arguing that irregular immigrant entry and anti-vaccination that started during the pandemic also increased measles cases. Experts underline that measles is a dangerous disease that can be fatal.