It is stated that the cancellation of measles vaccines in some countries due to the fight against the coronavirus epidemic played an important role in this increase. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in the first two months of 2022, measles cases globally increased by about 80 percent compared to the same period last year. In the joint statement of the WHO, affiliated to the United Nations (UN), with another UN organization, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), in Geneva, 17 thousand 338 measles cases were detected in January and February this year, the first of last year’s In two months, it was announced that this figure was 9 thousand 665.
Officials stated that measles cases may increase further and the coronavirus pandemic triggered this negative course. While it was stated that vaccinations against measles were canceled because the fight against coronavirus was prioritized in many countries, it was emphasized that social contacts increased with the weakening of the pandemic and this situation allowed measles and similar diseases to spread more rapidly.
Violent events are also effective in the spread of measles.
WHO and UNICEF officials stated that violence, conflict and deportations in countries such as Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia and Afghanistan also created an environment suitable for the spread of measles. In addition, it was noted that the lack of access to clean water and the lack of bathrooms / toilets and similar sanitary places with minimum hygiene standards make it difficult to fight the disease.
Indicating that children are at a much higher risk of contracting measles, WHO stated that the number of people who lost their lives from this disease in the last 20 years has decreased significantly, and this has been achieved thanks to vaccinations. Accordingly, while more than one million people worldwide died from measles in 2000, this figure was recorded as 60,700 in 2020.
21 measles outbreaks in one year
According to the statement of WHO and UNICEF, there have been 21 major measles outbreaks in the world in a year since April 2021. While it was recorded that most of these were seen in African and Eastern Mediterranean countries, it was emphasized that the determined figures could be much higher than known due to the interruption of communication systems in these countries from time to time.
Measles, which can spread rapidly in environments where the necessary hygiene conditions are not available, is transmitted by droplets coming out of the mouth during sneezing, coughing and speaking. While those who get the disease first experience flu-like symptoms, then typical skin rashes and increasing fever are known as the main symptoms of measles. Measles, which can cause middle ear and lung inflammation, can also cause brain inflammation in rare cases.
epd,dpa / ET,UK