March 2019 digital v1

public health
MEASLES IN EUROPE
WHO URGES EU NATIONS TO ADDRESS IMMUNISATION GAPS
Measles killed 72 children and adults in the European region in 2018
In light of measles data for the year
2018 showing a rising number of
deaths from the viral infection, the
WHO has urged European countries to
target their interventions to those places
and groups where immunization gaps
persist.
More children in the WHO European
region are being vaccinated against
measles than ever before; but progress
has been uneven between and within
countries, leaving increasing clusters of
susceptible individuals unprotected, and
resulting in a record number of people
affected by the virus in 2018.
Measles killed 72 children and
adults in the European region in 2018.
According to the WHO’s monthly country
reports for January to December 2018
(received as of 01 February 2019),
82 596 people in 47 of 53 countries
contracted measles. In countries
reporting hospitalisation data, nearly
2/3 (61%) of measles cases were
hospitalized. The total number of people
infected with the virus in 2018 was the
highest this decade: 3 times the total
reported in 2017 and 15 times the
record low number of people affected
in 2016.
The surge in measles cases in 2018
followed a year in which the European
region achieved its highest ever
estimated coverage for the second dose
of measles vaccination (90% in 2017).
More children in the region received the
full two-dose series on time, according
to their countries’ immunisation
schedules, in 2017 than in any year since
THE SURGE IN MEASLES
CASES IN 2018 FOLLOWED
A YEAR IN WHICH THE EU
ACHIEVED ITS HIGHEST
EVER ESTIMATED COVERAGE
FOR THE SECOND DOSE OF
MEASLES VACCINATION
WHO started collecting data on the
second dose in 2000. Coverage with the
first dose of the vaccine also increased
slightly to 95%, the highest level since
2013. However, progress in the region,
based on achievements at the national
level, can mask gaps at subnational
levels, which are often not recognised
until outbreaks occur.
“The picture for 2018 makes it
clear that the current pace of progress
in raising immunization rates will be
insufficient to stop measles circulation.
While data indicate exceptionally high
immunization coverage at regional
level, they also reflect a record number
affected and killed by the disease. This
means that gaps at local level still offer
an open door to the virus,” stated Dr
Zsuzsanna Jakab, in a WHO release.
Increasing susceptibility
While immunization coverage has
improved overall in the region, many
people remain susceptible.
Estimated coverage with the second
68 / FUTURE MEDICINE / March 2019