Measles has been in decline worldwide since the 1980s, thanks to vaccination programs, which have saved more than 50 million lives in the past 20 years alone. However, measles is not gone yet, and the WHO says this is largely due to people, especially children, not getting vaccinated.
Many health authorities have raised concerns about the increased risk of measles outbreaks due to sub-optimal vaccination rates around the world. Measles is causing deaths and disease in many countries, including wealthy nations like the US and those in Europe.
Anyone can get infected with measles, but children are most at risk. The WHO recommends that children receive two doses of the vaccine to ensure immunity, either as a single measles vaccine or combined with vaccines for mumps, rubella, and/or chickenpox (MMR jab).
In 2023, measles epidemics occurred in 37 countries, making 9 million children sick and killing 136,000 people. The US and Europe have also seen increased cases of measles.
To prevent measles, people must be vaccinated. Since measles is a virus, antibiotics cannot treat it. The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated and maintain proper hygiene to limit the transmission of the contagious virus.
Updated February 27, 2024
