Measles Makes Worldwide Comeback

November 15, 2024

There were an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles during 2023, a 20 percent increase from the prior year.

In a release Thursday, the World Health Organization and the CDC linked inadequate immunization coverage globally to the surge in cases.

"Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general. "To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live."

Here’s what you need to know:

• Key point:  Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles vaccine.
• Discouraging trend:  More than 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023.
  • There were “large or disruptive” outbreaks in 57 countries last year, a 60 percent increase from the previous year.
• Global coverage:  An estimated 83 percent of children received their first dose of measles vaccine last year and 74 percent received the recommended second dose.
• The benchmark:  Coverage of 95 percent or greater with two doses of measles vaccine will prevent outbreaks and protect populations from one of the world's most contagious human viruses.
• Quotable:  “The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health," CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. "The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access."

Additional information from the CDC and WHO is available online.