Cases of measles show alarming rise, warns WHO

  1. According to WHO’s preliminary global data on measles, there has been a 300% rise in measles cases worldwide during the first three months of 2019 compared with the same period in 2018.
  2. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. It can be entirely prevented with a two-dose vaccine.
  3. Africa has seen a 700% increase in cases in the first three months of 2019 compared to 2018. Further, Madagascar is the hardest-hit country, reporting more than 69,000 cases in its ongoing measles outbreak.
  4. Other countries with most reported measles cases include Ukraine, India, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Chad, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  5. High number of measles cases has also been reported from countries with high vaccination coverage; such as, Israel, Thailand, and Tunisia. The rise in measles cases has raised widespread concerns across globe including India.