The WHO currently sees millions of children in danger: measles cases have increased by almost 80% compared to the previous year.
Not only is it unpleasant, it can even be fatal: Cases of the so-called childhood disease measles have increased rapidly around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) therefore sees millions of children at risk, as reported Wednesday in Geneva. The number of cases reported in the first two months of 2022 was 79% higher than in the same period last year.
Measles: why not vaccinators put children at risk >>>
The reason for the increase is that many children are not vaccinated, also because vaccination programs have been stopped as a result of the corona pandemic.
Clear path without corona measures
But that’s not the only reason: some countries have had to use funds earmarked for measles vaccination elsewhere. In addition, there are millions of people displaced by war and conflict in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia and Afghanistan, whose children are not vaccinated when they flee and who often live nearby. If the distance rules introduced because of Corona were lifted, there would be a risk of major outbreaks of the highly contagious viral disease.
fatal process
Measles is spread by droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking. Affected people first experience flu-like symptoms, then a rash. Typical complications are middle ear and pneumonia, in severe cases it can also lead to encephalitis. The disease can be fatal. In addition, the immune system is weakened in infected people – and they can contract other diseases more quickly than healthy people.
Vaccinate until Saturday
In January and February, 17,338 measles cases were reported. By 2020, 23 million children would not have received the usual child protection vaccines – more than at any time since 2009. Between April 2021 and April 2022, there were 21 major measles outbreaks, most of them in Africa and the region east of the Mediterranean. The true numbers are likely significantly higher because notification systems have been disrupted in many places. The largest outbreaks occurred in Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Ethiopia.
But due to falling vaccination rates, there is also a risk of major outbreaks in this country, the Vaccine Manufacturers Association (ÖVIH) warned last week. In Austria, on the occasion of the European Vaccination Week, from 24 to 30 April, immunization against mumps, measles and rubella will be offered on Covid vaccination routes until Saturday inclusive.
Navigation account kiky time28.04.2022, 14:47| Act: 04/28/2022, 14:47