Measles cases reach 23-year high, with infections hitting 870,000

(Tribune News Service) -- Measles cases reached the highest level in 23 years in 2019, and health authorities warned that many countries aren't vaccinating enough people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The global total for confirmed measles infections rose to 869,770 last year, the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report released in early November. The number of deaths soared by 50% compared with a low reached in 2016.

The percentage of people who have received a first measles shot has stagnated in recent years, and the coronavirus pandemic is now lowering vaccination rates by halting immunization campaigns, putting 94 million people at risk, according to the WHO.

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/newsmd/wellness/6775391-Measles-cases-reach-23-year-high-with-infections-hitting-870000