MEASLES has seen an “alarming” 30-fold rise in Europe, the World Health Organisation has warned.
More than 30,000 cases were reported across 40 of the 53 member states from January to October last year, compared with 941 cases in 2022.
Getty – ContributorThe WHO warned that measles has seen an ‘alarming’ 30-fold rise in Europe[/caption]
Two in five cases were in kids aged one to four.
WHO blamed falling MMR vaccination rates and more people holidaying after Covid, spreading the disease over borders.
Measles can lead to lifelong disabilities and even death.
WHO’s Dr Hans Kluge said: “We have seen in the region not only a 30-fold increase in measles cases, but also nearly 21,000 hospitalisations and five measles-related deaths (reported in two countries).
“Vaccination is the only way to protect children from this potentially dangerous disease.
“Urgent vaccination efforts are needed to halt transmission and prevent further spread.
“It is vital that all countries are prepared to rapidly detect and timely respond to measles outbreaks, which could endanger progress towards measles elimination.”
UK figures show there have been 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases in the West Mids since October last year.