Alarming Rise in Measles Cases Worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern on Tuesday about the rapid spread of measles, reporting over 306,000 cases globally last year, a 79% increase from 2022. Natasha Crowcroft, the WHO’s advisor on measles and rubella, stated, "We are deeply worried about what is happening," pointing out that reported measles cases are much lower than the actual number. To obtain more accurate figures, the UN health agency models the data each year. Its latest estimates indicate 9.2 million measles infections and approximately 136,000 measles-related deaths in 2022. Crowcroft noted that 2022 saw a 43% increase in deaths compared to the previous year. She added to journalists in Geneva, via video link from Cairo, that due to the rising number of cases, "we expect an increase in deaths in 2023 as well. This year will be filled with difficult challenges."