Forbes November 14, 2024
Measles is surging around the world, with around 10.3 million reported cases last year.
That’s an increase of 20% on 2022, according to the World Health Organization, which blames the growth in numbers on inadequate vaccine coverage.
Measles is highly contagious and potentially fatal. Young children are particularly vulnerable to the disease, which killed an estimated 107,500 people in 2023, most of whom were under 5.
Countries need almost all children (95%) to have two measles shots to prevent outbreaks of the disease and keep the population safe, the WHO says. Last year, just 74% of children worldwide had received both their recommended doses, while 87% had received one.
Nearly 60 countries globally experienced significant measles outbreaks last year, with...
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