User:Campenhe6493/Epidemiology of measles

User:Campenhe6493/Epidemiology of measles

Lead Paragraph

Due to the development of vaccination against measles, the world has seen a 99% decrease in measles related cases compared cases before the vaccine was developed. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has created less of a concern of routine measles immunizations, and outbreaks are expected to occur if routine vaccinations of children are not implemented again.

Incidence Paragraph

''In 2011, the WHO estimated that there were about 158,000 deaths caused by measles. This is down from 630,000 deaths in 1990.''

In 2018, the WHO estimated that there were around 353,236 cases of measles worldwide. This has since decreased as in 2020 there were 159,000 approximate cases.

''In April 2020, the WHO indicated that many countries had started suspending their measles vaccination programs due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is projected that 117 million children will be at risk of infection.'' Currently all 194 countries have started to routinely vaccinate children with the MCV vaccine, and 122 countries have included the MMR into their routine child immunization schedules.

In 2018, The WHO tells us the global annual incidence was about 46 million. During this time, the African Region reported the most cases, about 40%, seen primarily from Nigeria, and Eastern Mediterranean regions. In these specific areas, the incidence was greatly seen in those less than one year old. Studies show that about 95% were immune by 15 years old, making it increasingly common for the incidence of measles to occur in young children.

Through the recent improvement of decreasing measles incidence and mortality rates across the world, recently there has been setbacks. Since 2000, the MCV coverage around the world has decreased and the total cases of measles has increased from 132,490 in 2016, to 869,700 in 2019. Though many countries have eliminated measles, several countries have discovered new cases in 2019. Growing concern has been generating in increase cases of measles as incidence in measles have increased in recent years due to anti-vaccination movements due to religion and politics.

Measles eradication has been challenging for many countries to maintain herd immunity. Due to political unrest, economic challenges, and accessibility to healthcare and proper vaccinations achieving proper vaccination levels in developing countries has halted.

Another challenge faced worldwide is vaccination hesitancy. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have listed this is a top ten challenge to global health in reducing the incidence of measles.

Outbreak Paragraph As measles contagion is high, it can spread rapidly through the population. The incubation period for measles is 10-12 days, and is characterized by seasonal epidemics, and spreads quickly against non-vaccinated persons. Measles is quite uncommon in populations of highly vaccinated areas, yet when it does occur, it is more commonly seen in adults.

The development of the measles vaccine has been vital in reducing outbreaks. Without a measles vaccine, epidemics of measles could happen every 2 to 5 years and last up to 3 to 4 months at a time.

The increase of measles in January and February of 2022 sparked concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the displacement of millions due to conflict crises. This includes Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Afghanistan as this disrupts the routine immunization schedule and the primary focus is the safety of citizens.

South Africa Section

South Africa Section

As of 2020, South Africa eliminated measles outbreaks as there was less than one case per million citizens in the population in 2015, 2016, and 2020.

Americas Section

Canada

As of 2021, there were no reported cases of measles in Canada.

United States

In 2019, 1,274 reported measles cases drew concern as this was the largest reported number of cases in the United States since 1992. Cases were mostly unvaccinated individuals. In 2021, cases went down to only 49 reported cases in the United States.

Venezuela

In 2018, Venezuela had 5,525 cases of measles reported, which was 68% of the total cases in the Americas at the time. As of 2020, the Pan America Health Organization reported that the measles outbreak is under control, and have increased vaccination rates in over 9 million children.

Asia Section

Israel

In 2018 and 2019, Israel suffered a measles outbreak affecting 4,300 citizens.

Europe Section

Netherlands

As of 2019, the Netherlands reported over 80 measles cases.

United Kingdom

In 2021, the United Kingdom reported 2 total measles cases in the country.

Italy

In 2020 and 2021, Italy reported 4 confirmed cases of measles.

Portugal

In 2021-22 Portugal has reported 0 cases of measles.