Global Measles Deaths Soar by Over 40% in One Year, Alarming Health Officials

Measles cases, deaths, and outbreaks have significantly increased between 2021 and 2022, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The estimated number of measles cases rose by 18%, from 7.8 million to 9.2 million, while measles deaths increased by 43% globally, from 95,000 to 136,200. The number of countries reporting large or disruptive outbreaks of measles also increased by 68%. Low-income countries continue to experience declines in vaccination rates, posing a risk to global health. Urgent and targeted efforts are needed to prevent measles disease and deaths.