Measles cases rose to more than 10 million in 2023, WHO and CDC say

The number of measles cases around the world rose by 20% in 2023 compared with 2022, leading to an estimated 10.3 million cases, according to estimates released Thursday by the World Health Organization and the U.S.

The number of measles cases around the world rose by 20% in 2023 compared with 2022, leading to an estimated 10.3 million cases, according to estimates released Thursday by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The surge in the preventable disease was driven by "inadequate immunization coverage," the agencies said in a joint statement.

More than 22 million children did not receive a first dose of the two-dose measles vaccine in 2023, the WHO and CDC said. Globally approximately 83% of children received a first dose of the vaccine last year, and 74% received a second dose, the agencies said.

Health officials recommend vaccination coverage of at least 95% in communities to prevent outbreaks. An infected person can spread the highly contagious disease to up to 90% of people close to them if they are not immune, according to the CDC.

“The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in the statement. “The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/measles-cases-rose-10-million-2023-cdc-say-rcna180165

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