The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning about the increasing cases of measles and pertussis (whooping cough) across the European Union (EU), emphasizing the importance of following vaccination protocols to curb the spread of these diseases.
Despite significant reductions in mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, ECDC Director Andrea Ammon cautioned that these diseases continue to circulate, causing suffering, particularly among those who are unvaccinated or especially vulnerable.
Measles cases began to surge in 2023, with at least 5,770 reported cases and five deaths between March 2023 and February 2024 in the EU. Measles is highly contagious, with one sick person capable of infecting between 12 to 18 others. To halt transmission, at least 95% of the population should be vaccinated with two doses.
Similarly, pertussis cases have seen a significant increase since mid-2023, with a tenfold rise compared to previous years. Newborn babies and infants are the most severely affected by these diseases as they are too young to be vaccinated and rely on community immunity for protection.
Ammon emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that widespread immunization not only protects vaccinated individuals but also safeguards those who cannot receive vaccinations due to age or compromised immune systems.
Several factors contribute to the rise in cases, including increased disease circulation following a decrease during the pandemic years and a decline in vaccination uptake. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 1.8 million infants missed measles vaccinations between 2020 and 2022 in the European Region due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic led to disruptions in vaccine supply chains, diversion of resources to COVID-19 response efforts, and limitations on immunization services due to lockdowns. Additionally, misinformation about vaccine safety has contributed to a decline in global vaccination coverage.
Ammon stressed the ongoing importance of vaccines in the face of new challenges, including the emergence of new diseases and the resurgence of previously controlled diseases. She warned against complacency and emphasized the need for continued vigilance in vaccination efforts.
