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Epidemics

Measles Outbreaks on the Rise as COVID-19 Disruptions Continue

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Measles outbreaks are accelerating globally, with over 17,338 cases reported worldwide in January and February 2022, a sharp increase from 9,665 cases during the same period in 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF warn that the heightened risk of measles outbreaks could lead to larger outbreaks, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates and weakened healthcare infrastructure.

The resurgence of measles is attributed to pandemic-related disruptions, increasing inequalities in access to vaccines, and the diversion of resources from routine immunization. As communities relax social distancing measures and other preventive measures, the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks is increasing. The WHO and UNICEF are concerned that outbreaks of measles could also forewarn outbreaks of other diseases that do not spread as rapidly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 17,338 measles cases were reported worldwide in January and February 2022, a 78% increase from the same period in 2021.
  • The majority of measles cases were reported in Africa and the East Mediterranean region.
  • 21 large and disruptive measles outbreaks have occurred worldwide in the last 12 months, with the largest outbreaks reported in Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia.
  • Insufficient measles vaccine coverage is the major reason for outbreaks, wherever they occur.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted immunization services, leading to missed vaccinations and potential outbreaks of deadly diseases, including measles.
  • The WHO and UNICEF are working with partners to strengthen immunization systems, restore services, and vaccination campaigns, and ensure that COVID-19 vaccine delivery is not carried out at the cost of childhood and other vaccination services.
  • As of April 2022, 57 vaccine-preventable disease campaigns in 43 countries are still postponed, impacting 203 million people, most of whom are children. Of these, 19 are measles campaigns, putting 73 million children at risk of measles due to missed vaccinations.

Statistics:

  • 17,338 measles cases were reported worldwide in January and February 2022.
  • 78% increase in measles cases compared to the same period in 2021.
  • 21 large and disruptive measles outbreaks occurred worldwide in the last 12 months.
  • Over 115,000 cases of measles and 41 deaths were reported in Ukraine in 2017-2019.
  • 23 million children missed out on basic childhood vaccines through routine health services in 2020, the highest number since 2009.
  • 203 million people, most of whom are children, have been impacted by postponed vaccine-preventable disease campaigns as of April 2022.

Sources:

  • Provisional data based on monthly data reported to WHO as of April 2022
  • WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage, 2020 revision
  • WHO/UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage, 2020 revision

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