Resurgence of Measles: A Global Health Concern

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is making a worrying comeback worldwide, including in India. A report from the United Nations highlights a 20% surge in global measles cases, with outbreaks recorded in 57 countries. India ranks second in the number of reported infections, raising alarms about vaccination gaps and public health challenges.

The Rising Numbers
Globally, measles affected 1.03 crore people in 2022, with India contributing significantly to these figures. India reported 1.50 lakh cases, and the number of deaths due to measles reached 11,000, a sharp increase compared to previous years. The World Health Organization attributes this resurgence to delayed immunization campaigns during the pandemic and declining vaccination coverage.

Symptoms and Risks
Measles symptoms include high fever, severe rashes, itchy skin, redness in the eyes, white patches inside the mouth, and body-wide inflammation. The disease spreads rapidly through the air, making it critical to ensure timely vaccinations.

Call for Action
Experts emphasize that measles vaccination is among the most effective tools to combat the disease, surpassing many other vaccines in efficacy over the last five decades. Strengthening vaccination drives and raising awareness are essential to curb the rapid spread of this preventable disease.
As the world battles to regain control, the resurgence of measles serves as a stark reminder of the importance of consistent public health initiatives and immunization programs.