Measles Resurges As Vaccination Declines, Most Deaths Among Unvaccinated Young Children: WHO, CDC

Due to the gaps in vaccination coverage, 57 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023. (Credit: Image by Freepik)

The WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning of a resurgence of measles, a contagious infection that has been eliminated in several countries. Around 10.3 million cases were reported in 2023, marking an alarming 20% increase from the previous year.

Officials are raising concerns as this preventable infection continues to rise due to declining vaccination rates. To prevent outbreaks in communities, a vaccination prevalence of 95% or more with two doses is needed.