The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, since the year 2000, measles vaccines save about five lives every second. Even so, data released this week by the entity indicate that, in 2023 alone, approximately 10.3 million cases of the disease were registered across the planet – 20% more than in 2022.
In a note, the WHO assesses that inadequate vaccination coverage drives the increase in cases. “Measles can be prevented with two doses; however, more than 22 million children missed their first dose in 2023. Globally, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose last year, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.”
The vaccine that prevents measles is the triple viral vaccine, which is available free of charge at health centers in Brazil. The recommendation of the National Immunization Program is that the vaccine be administered in two doses, at 12 and 15 months of age.
The WHO highlights the need for vaccination coverage of at least 95% of both doses in all countries and territories to prevent outbreaks and to protect the population from “one of the most contagious human viruses in the world”. The measles vaccine, according to the WHO, has saved more lives over the last 50 years than any other vaccine.
The statement warns that, as a result of global gaps in vaccination coverage, 57 countries have recorded measles outbreaks in all regions except the Americas – an increase of almost 60% compared to the 36 countries identified the previous year. Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific lead the substantial increase in cases, with almost half of all outbreaks occurring on the African continent.
“Recent data shows that around 107,500 people – mostly children under the age of 5 – will die from measles in 2023. While this represents an 8% drop from the previous year, that’s too many children still dying in reason for a preventable disease”, assessed the WHO.
“Even when people survive measles, serious health effects can occur, some of which can last a lifetime. Babies and young children are at greater risk of serious complications, which include blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling and potentially brain damage).”
Brazil free from measles
Five years after losing the measles elimination certificate, in 2019, the This week Brazil received the status of a disease-free country from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).. The last record of measles in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Health, took place in June 2022, in Amapá.
Data from the folder indicate that, between 2018 and 2022, 9,329, 21,704, 8,035, 670 and 41 cases of measles were confirmed, respectively. In 2022, the states that confirmed cases were: Rio de Janeiro, Pará, São Paulo and Amapá, with the last confirmed case being registered in Amapá, with the onset date of the exanthema (skin rashes) on June 5th.
In 2024, Brazil registered two confirmed, but imported, cases, one in January, in Rio Grande do Sul, coming from Pakistan; and one in August, in Minas Gerais, from England.
The ministry defines measles as a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects children and can cause serious complications, such as severe diarrhea, blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). “The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination”, highlighted the ministry.
