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Measles News Updates

Data published in Lancet showed that accelerated efforts to reduce measles deaths have resulted in a 74 percent reduction in global measles mortality, from an estimated 535,300 deaths in 2000 to 139,300 in 2010.

The key to this progress is vaccination, both through increased routine immunization coverage and large-scale immunization campaigns. Sub-Saharan Africa made the most progress, with an 85% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2010.

The data underscores that progress in reducing measles deaths was especially strong from 2001 to 2008. But, it is important to note that when investment and political commitment to measles control faltered in 2008 and 2009, many children were not immunized. Measles came roaring back and caused large outbreaks in Africa, Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe. In 2010, an estimated 19 million infants ― mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia ― did not receive the measles vaccine.

Measles Outbreak Map

 A map that shows outbreaks of various diseases over the last three years, including measles, has been created by the Council on Foreign Relations. In 2011, there have been measles outbreaks on every continent. View the measles map.

According to USAToday, most U.S. cases of the measles are imported by U.S. travelers who have not been vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the Olympics in London, as well as the Euro 2012 soccer cup in Poland and Ukraine, will be huge draws for American travelers and will increase the risk for measles infection. The virus is much more prevalent in Europe, leading to 26,000 illnesses last year.

Currently, measles is on the rise in Europe, according to the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). A WHO report showed that as of October 2011, more than 26,000 cases of measles and nine deaths have been reported this year in 36 countries in Europe. That's three times the number of cases from four years ago. Western European countries reported 83 percent of those cases. In the United States in 2011, more than 200 cases of the measles were reported — the highest number in 15 years, according to the CDC. Before routine vaccinations, the virus killed between 3,000 and 5,000 Americans each year.

The recent increase in measles is due mainly to low vaccination rates and lack of awareness about the disease. This outbreak in Europe has been linked to outbreaks in several other countries including Brazil, Canada and Australia. According to the CDC, the increase in measles cases and outbreaks underscores the need for high measles vaccine coverage, and the importance of prompt and appropriate public health response to measles cases and outbreaks.