Measles Cases Rise Globally, Brazil Confirms 34 Infections This Year
BRASÍLIA – Amidst a surge in measles cases worldwide, brazil’s Ministry of Health has issued a warning following the confirmation of 34 measles infections across the country in 2024. The alert comes as global health authorities report a significant increase in outbreaks, with over 360,000 suspected cases reported in 173 countries by the World Health Organization (WHO), of which around 164,000 have been confirmed.
The global rise is especially pronounced in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (34% of cases), Africa (23%), adn Europe (18%).In the Americas,11,691 cases and 25 deaths have been confirmed in ten countries,with Canada (over 5,000 cases),Mexico (4,703),and the United States (1,514) reporting the highest numbers. The U.S. recorded its first measles death in a decade in March of this year.
South American countries are also experiencing outbreaks, with Bolivia reporting 320 confirmed cases, paraguay 50, peru 4, and Argentina 35.
WHO data indicates that adolescents and young adults represent the highest absolute number of cases,with 22% of confirmed cases in the Americas occurring among those aged 10-19,and 19% between 20-29. Though, infants under one year old are the most vulnerable, exhibiting a rate of 6.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory transmission, similar to COVID-19 and influenza. It can lead to serious and potentially fatal complications, particularly in children under two years of age. Symptoms initially resemble the flu - high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and malaise - followed by the appearance of a characteristic red rash. Individuals are contagious for up to six days before the rash appears, and for four days after. Health officials emphasize that one infected person can potentially infect 16 others who are not immunized.
The Ministry of Health’s warning underscores the importance of vaccination as the most effective means of preventing measles and controlling its spread.Prior to the 1990s, measles was a leading cause of infant mortality in Brazil, highlighting the critical role of immunization programs.