Cases of measles almost doubled in 2018, says WHO

The doubling of measles infections has been identified amid rising severe and protracted outbreaks all over the planet, in poor and rich countries

World Health Organization measles virus

According to the reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the doubling of measles infections has been identified amid rising severe and protracted outbreaks all over the planet, in poor and rich countries on Thursday.

Dr Katherine O'Brien, Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO said that Measles is not going anywhere, It's everyone's responsibility. 

Up to nine or 10 people could catch the virus from one infected person. The virus can be transmitted easily, by sneezing and coughing, symptoms include rashes, blindness and inflammation of the brain.

WHO urges countries to sustain high immunization coverage with two doses of measles vaccine to prevent outbreaks and eliminate measles, she added.

Dr. Katrina Kretsinger, Medical Officer in the Expanded Programme on Immunization at WHO said that countries should also identify and address all communities that are under immunized.

Dr Kretsinger also suggested, WHO is working in affected areas with health ministries, still it's up to the countries to implement vaccination programmes.

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, outbreaks and epidemics occured every two to three years, resulting in an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.


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