Reported cases of measles increased more than 30% globally from 2016 to 2017, the WHO said on Thursday. The agency estimates that the disease was responsible for 110,000 deaths last year.

 

Increases in the vaccine-preventable disease were seen in the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Europe.

 

Global coverage of the first dose of measles vaccine is at 85%. The WHO says that 95% coverage is required to protect a community. Additionally, coverage of the second vaccine dose is at 67%.

 

 

By the Editors of Physician’s First Watch, www.JWatch.org

 

WHO news release (Free)

 

MMWR article (Free)

 

Background: Physician's First Watch story showing that a small drop in measles vaccinations could result in a significantly higher number of measles cases (Free)