Global Measles Cases Surge, Threatening Eradication Efforts
Geneva, Switzerland - A concerning rise in measles cases is sweeping the globe, with nearly 11 million infections recorded in 2024 – a 6% increase from the previous year, according to a new report released friday, November 28, by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the increase in cases, measles-related deaths decreased significantly, falling from 107,000 in 2023 to 95,000 in 2024.
The global uptick represents an 8% increase compared to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019, even as deaths have fallen by 11% over the same period. WHO officials attribute this disparity to increased cases in middle- and high-income countries, where access to healthcare and lower case fatality rates mitigate the impact of the virus. In 2024 alone, 59 countries experienced measles outbreaks, up from 36 in 2022 and 57 in 2023.
The situation is particularly alarming in the Americas, where declining vaccination rates are jeopardizing decades of progress toward regional elimination. Canada has already lost its measles-free status, and the WHO warns the entire region is at risk of following suit. This decline in immunity is linked to growing vaccine hesitancy following widespread COVID-19 vaccination campaigns,leading to reduced coverage in vulnerable populations.
Measles remains one of the most contagious viruses known to science, characterized by the distinctive red rash it causes. The WHO report underscores the urgent need to strengthen vaccination programs and address the root causes of declining public trust in vaccines to prevent further outbreaks and protect global health security.
