India's financial capital, Mumbai, has reported 11 fresh cases of measles and one suspected death resulting from it. This comes amid the outbreak of viral infection in the city with the addition of the latest cases the infection tally in the metropolitan city has now gone up to 300.

India: 11 new cases, one suspected death as measles outbreak in Mumbai

The World Health Organization (WHO) and&nbsp;US Health agency, the&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Wednesday that the world now faces an impending threat of measles spreading in numerous locations internationally due to the COVID-19 pandemic's ongoing impact on vaccine coverage and impaired disease surveillance.

As per a joint report issued by the two organisations, a record 40 million children missed a vaccination dose for measles in the year 2021. It chalks this up to hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch |&nbsp;UNICEF warns against global measles outbreaks after cases surge across the globe

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Talking to Reuters, Patrick O'Connor, World Health Organization's measles lead said that while compared to previous years the number of measles cases has not gone up dramatically, the time to act is now.

"We are at a crossroads," he remarked, adding that the next 12-24 months are going to be very challenging, as the world tries to mitigate the situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-685-dead-in-zimbabwe-due-to-measles-outbreak-anti-vaxxers-remain-a-roadblock-512693">700 children dead in Zimbabwe due to measles outbreak, anti-vaxxers remain a roadblock</a>

He said that even though there are growing immunity gaps, there have not yet been an overwhelming number of cases. As per him, this may be due to a combination of factors including the cyclical nature of the disease and lingering social isolation policies.

O'Connor warned that this could change quickly given the highly contagious nature of the illness.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cases-of-measles-have-increased-by-80-and-other-diseases-may-follow-un-474732">Cases of measles have increased by 80%, and other diseases may follow: UN</a>

He further noted that since the beginning of 2022, the number of "large disruptive outbreaks" had increased, climbing from 19 to over 30 by September. He added that he was especially concerned about certain regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

Measles is one of the most contagious human viruses, although it is nearly fully preventable with immunisation. Nevertheless, to stop outbreaks among communities, there must be 95 per cent vaccination coverage.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and US Health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Wednesday that the world now faces an impending threat of measles spreading in numerous locations internationally due to the COVID-19 pandemic's ongoing impact on vaccine coverage and impaired disease surveillance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and US Health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Wednesday that the world now faces an impending threat of measles spreading in numerous locations internationally due to the COVID-19 pandemic's ongoing impact on vaccine coverage and impaired disease surveillance. As per a joint report issued by the two organisations, a record 40 million children missed a vaccination dose for measles in the year 2021. It chalks this up to hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch | UNICEF warns against global measles outbreaks after cases surge across the globe Talking to Reuters, Patrick O'Connor, World Health Organization's measles lead said that while compared to previous years the number of measles cases has not gone up dramatically, the time to act is now. "We are at a crossroads," he remarked, adding that the next 12-24 months are going to be very challenging, as the world tries to mitigate the situation. Also read | 700 children dead in Zimbabwe due to measles outbreak, anti-vaxxers remain a roadblock He said that even though there are growing immunity gaps, there have not yet been an overwhelming number of cases. As per him, this may be due to a combination of factors including the cyclical nature of the disease and lingering social isolation policies. O'Connor warned that this could change quickly given the highly contagious nature of the illness. Also read | Cases of measles have increased by 80%, and other diseases may follow: UN He further noted that since the beginning of 2022, the number of "large disruptive outbreaks" had increased, climbing from 19 to over 30 by September. He added that he was especially concerned about certain regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Measles is one of the most contagious human viruses, although it is nearly fully preventable with immunisation. Nevertheless, to stop outbreaks among communities, there must be 95 per cent vaccination coverage.

40mn children missed measles vaccine in 2021; disease is now an imminent global threat, warn CDC and WHO

The measles outbreak in the African country of Zimbabwe is wreaking havoc. According to data released by the health ministry, the death toll from the measles outbreak in the country has risen to almost 700 children.

The measles outbreak in the African country of Zimbabwe is wreaking havoc. According to data released by the health ministry, the death toll from the measles outbreak in the country has risen to almost 700 children. Moreover, the total caseload was more than four times compared to the numbers recorded a fortnight ago. "Measles Update: As at 02 September 2022, Zimbabwe had 6,034 confirmed cases, including 4,266 recoveries and 685 deaths." tweeted the Zimbabwean Health ministry. Measles Update: As at 02 September 2022, Zimbabwe had 6 034 confirmed cases, including 4 266 recoveries and 685 deaths. pic.twitter.com/eZLuhJ9Wlx — Ministry of HealthZW (@MoHCCZim) September 3, 2022 × Read more: Zimbabwe script history, clinch maiden ODI win against Australia Down Under It is pertinent to note that the infections started in the eastern Manicaland province, which borders Mozambique at the beginning of August. Sensing the urgency of the situation, the government invoked Civil Protection Unit Act. “All the victims had not received vaccinations against measles. The government has invoked Civil Protection Unit Act to deal with the emergency, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care is on the ground carrying out an intensive vaccination program. Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to engage traditional and faith leaders for their support on the vaccination program." said Mutsvangwa. Primarily, it is the kids between the age group six months to 15 years that are succumbing to the disease. The initial symptoms of the viral disease include fever and a red rash. However, if not treated or given the vaccine, the disease turns fatal. Read more: Scientists have discovered Africa's oldest dinosaur named Mbiresaurus raathi in Zimbabwe Notably, the Zimbabwe government is trying to vaccinate children in the aforementioned age group with the help of UN agencies such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Zimbabwe’s information minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, last month stated that the onus for the rapid spread of the infectious viral disease lay on the religious sects who were refusing to get vaccinated. According to a Reuters report, apostolic sects do not believe in vaccination and rely on prayers. The government is trying to reach the apostolic church leaders in an attempt to persuade them and act rationally. To make sure there are no more impediments in the vaccination process, the local authorities are requesting the faith leaders of primitive sects to give up on their petulance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

700 children dead in Zimbabwe due to measles outbreak, anti-vaxxers remain a roadblock

Measles infections have increased by about 80% worldwide this year as a result of the disruption created by COVID-19, according to the UN, which warned that the growth of the "canary in the coalmine" ailment meant that epidemics of other diseases were likely to follow.

According to the UN's children's organization, Unicef, and the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted vaccination campaigns for non-Covid diseases around the world, producing a "perfect storm" that might endanger the lives of millions of children.

Measles is a virus-borne illness that primarily affects youngsters. Blindness, brain enlargement, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections are among the most significant consequences.

The best approach to preventing HIV from spreading is to have at least 95 percent of people vaccinated, though many nations fall far short of that goal; Somalia, for example, has only 46 percent, according to UN data.

According to fresh data from UN agencies, over 17,300 measles cases were reported globally in January and February, compared to around 9,600 in the same months last year.

According to the data, there were 21 big and disruptive measles outbreaks in the 12 months leading up to April, the majority of which occurred in Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.

After rising incidences in west Africa, he predicted that yellow fever would be one of the next diseases to spread.

According to UN data, Somalia had by far the highest number of measles infections in the past year, with over 9,000 cases, followed by Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia — all of which are in some type of conflict.

There are also concerns that the conflict in Ukraine would start a revival in the country, which had the highest rate of measles in Europe between 2017 and 2019.

Measles infections have increased by about 80% worldwide this year as a result of the disruption created by COVID-19, according to the UN, which warned that the growth of the "canary in the coalmine" ailment meant that epidemics of other diseases were likely to follow.

Measles infections have increased by about 80% worldwide this year as a result of the disruption created by COVID-19, according to the UN, which warned that the growth of the "canary in the coalmine" ailment meant that epidemics of other diseases were likely to follow. According to the UN's children's organization, Unicef, and the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted vaccination campaigns for non-Covid diseases around the world, producing a "perfect storm" that might endanger the lives of millions of children. Measles is a virus-borne illness that primarily affects youngsters. Blindness, brain enlargement, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections are among the most significant consequences. The best approach to preventing HIV from spreading is to have at least 95 percent of people vaccinated, though many nations fall far short of that goal; Somalia, for example, has only 46 percent, according to UN data. According to fresh data from UN agencies, over 17,300 measles cases were reported globally in January and February, compared to around 9,600 in the same months last year. According to the data, there were 21 big and disruptive measles outbreaks in the 12 months leading up to April, the majority of which occurred in Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. After rising incidences in west Africa, he predicted that yellow fever would be one of the next diseases to spread. According to UN data, Somalia had by far the highest number of measles infections in the past year, with over 9,000 cases, followed by Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia — all of which are in some type of conflict. There are also concerns that the conflict in Ukraine would start a revival in the country, which had the highest rate of measles in Europe between 2017 and 2019.

Cases of measles have increased by 80%, and other diseases may follow: UN

Measles cases have surged by nearly 80% across the world. According to a new report by the United Nations, the rise in measles cases is a dire warning and it could mean that the outbreak of other diseases is likely to be on the way.

UNICEF warns against global measles outbreaks after cases surge across the globe

A raging&nbsp;measles&nbsp;outbreak in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;infected tens of thousands and killed more than 150 people last month alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday, warning of more&nbsp;deaths.

The UN health agency said the outbreak was particularly concerning since&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is facing massive food insecurity and malnutrition, leaving children far more vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-womens-rights-activists-still-missing-un-human-rights-office-expresses-concern-451313">Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern</a>

"Measles&nbsp;cases&nbsp;have been increasing in all provinces since the end of July 2021,"&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva.

He said&nbsp;cases&nbsp;had surged recently, ballooning by 18 per cent in the week of January 24 and by 40 per cent in the last week of the month.

In all, 35,319 suspected&nbsp;measles&nbsp;cases&nbsp;were reported in January, including 3,000 that were laboratory confirmed, and 156&nbsp;deaths.&nbsp;Ninety-one per cent of the&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 97 per cent of the&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;were children under the age of five.

Lindmeier stressed that the&nbsp;measles-related&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;were likely underreported and the numbers were expected to swell.

"The rapid rise in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in January suggests that the number of&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;due to&nbsp;measles&nbsp;is likely to increase sharply in the coming weeks," Lindmeier said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prolonged-humanitarian-crisis-forces-starving-afghans-to-sell-kidneys-says-report-448781">Prolonged humanitarian crisis forces starving Afghans to sell kidneys, says report</a>

Measles&nbsp;is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks mainly children. The most serious complications include blindness, brain swelling, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections.

The latest surge in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is in the grip of a humanitarian disaster, worsened by the Taliban takeover in August -- when Western countries froze international aid and access to assets held abroad.

The United Nations has warned that half the country is threatened with food shortages.

"Malnutrition weakens immunity, making people more vulnerable to illness and&nbsp;deaths&nbsp;diseases like&nbsp;measles, especially children," Lindmeier said.

The best protection against&nbsp;measles&nbsp;is broad vaccination, with the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;recommending that countries ensure at least 95-per cent vaccination coverage -- a difficult goal in the Afghan context.

Watch |&nbsp;Women's activism grows in Afghanistan with Taliban in power

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/womens-activism-grows-in-afghanistan-with-taliban-in-power-451919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Lindmeier said the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;and its partners had been working to scale up their&nbsp;measles&nbsp;surveillance capacities and provide support for things like lab testing and immunisation campaigns.

Last December, a vaccination campaign in the hardest-hit areas reached 1.5 million children, he said.

They have also been providing Vitamin A supplements, which are important to help reduce sickness and death from&nbsp;measles, reaching 8.5 million children in a nationwide campaign last November.

The&nbsp;WHO, Lindmeier said, was now working towards a larger&nbsp;measles&nbsp;vaccination drive starting in May, aimed at reaching more than three million children.

A raging measles outbreak in Afghanistan infected tens of thousands and killed more than 150 people last month alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday, warning of more deaths.

A raging measles outbreak in Afghanistan infected tens of thousands and killed more than 150 people last month alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday, warning of more deaths. The UN health agency said the outbreak was particularly concerning since Afghanistan is facing massive food insecurity and malnutrition, leaving children far more vulnerable to the highly contagious disease. Also read | Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern "Measles cases have been increasing in all provinces since the end of July 2021," WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva. He said cases had surged recently, ballooning by 18 per cent in the week of January 24 and by 40 per cent in the last week of the month. In all, 35,319 suspected measles cases were reported in January, including 3,000 that were laboratory confirmed, and 156 deaths. Ninety-one per cent of the cases and 97 per cent of the deaths were children under the age of five. Lindmeier stressed that the measles-related deaths were likely underreported and the numbers were expected to swell. "The rapid rise in cases in January suggests that the number of deaths due to measles is likely to increase sharply in the coming weeks," Lindmeier said. Also read | Prolonged humanitarian crisis forces starving Afghans to sell kidneys, says report Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks mainly children. The most serious complications include blindness, brain swelling, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections. The latest surge in cases comes as Afghanistan is in the grip of a humanitarian disaster, worsened by the Taliban takeover in August -- when Western countries froze international aid and access to assets held abroad. The United Nations has warned that half the country is threatened with food shortages. "Malnutrition weakens immunity, making people more vulnerable to illness and deaths diseases like measles, especially children," Lindmeier said. The best protection against measles is broad vaccination, with the WHO recommending that countries ensure at least 95-per cent vaccination coverage -- a difficult goal in the Afghan context. Watch | Women's activism grows in Afghanistan with Taliban in power Lindmeier said the WHO and its partners had been working to scale up their measles surveillance capacities and provide support for things like lab testing and immunisation campaigns. Last December, a vaccination campaign in the hardest-hit areas reached 1.5 million children, he said. They have also been providing Vitamin A supplements, which are important to help reduce sickness and death from measles, reaching 8.5 million children in a nationwide campaign last November. The WHO, Lindmeier said, was now working towards a larger measles vaccination drive starting in May, aimed at reaching more than three million children.

Measles cases, deaths surging in Afghanistan, tens of thousands infected: WHO

About 23 million children missed routine vaccinations last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest number in more than a decade, fuelling outbreaks of measles, polio, and other avoidable diseases, UN agencies said.

The WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund said in an annual report that the worldwide vaccination coverage gap has created a "perfect storm," leaving more children vulnerable to infectious infections as many countries relax COVID-19 regulations.&nbsp;

Removing restrictions has the potential to increase not only COVID-19 transmission, but also the spread of diseases that are ordinarily vaccine-preventable.&nbsp; 
 
Watch: Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine for kids likely to get DCGI's nod

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zydus-cadila-covid-19-vaccine-for-kids-likely-to-get-dcgis-nod-397631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In 2021, we have potentially a perfect storm about to happen," Kate O'Brien, head of the WHO's vaccines and immunisation department said.

According to the World Health Organization, measles, one of the world's most contagious illnesses, can be fatal to children under the age of five, especially in African and Asian nations with weak health systems.

Polio can permanently disable a youngster.&nbsp;

Regarding a key indicator of childhood vaccination rates, ten countries, led by India and Nigeria, account for the majority of the 22.7 million children who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) in 2020 – 3.7 million more than in 2019 and the most since 2009.&nbsp;

There has been an “alarming increase” in “zero dose” children – those missing out on any vaccination – which rose to 17.1 million last year from 13.6 million, said Ephrem Lemango, UNICEF chief of immunisation. Many live in war-torn countries or slums, he said.

Sixty-six countries postponed at least one immunisation campaign against preventable diseases, although some including Mexico have begun catch-up programmes, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

About 23 million children missed routine vaccinations last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest number in more than a decade, fuelling outbreaks of measles, polio, and other avoidable diseases, UN agencies said.

About 23 million children missed routine vaccinations last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest number in more than a decade, fuelling outbreaks of measles, polio, and other avoidable diseases, UN agencies said. The WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund said in an annual report that the worldwide vaccination coverage gap has created a "perfect storm," leaving more children vulnerable to infectious infections as many countries relax COVID-19 regulations. Removing restrictions has the potential to increase not only COVID-19 transmission, but also the spread of diseases that are ordinarily vaccine-preventable. Watch: Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine for kids likely to get DCGI's nod "In 2021, we have potentially a perfect storm about to happen," Kate O'Brien, head of the WHO's vaccines and immunisation department said. According to the World Health Organization, measles, one of the world's most contagious illnesses, can be fatal to children under the age of five, especially in African and Asian nations with weak health systems. Polio can permanently disable a youngster. Regarding a key indicator of childhood vaccination rates, ten countries, led by India and Nigeria, account for the majority of the 22.7 million children who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) in 2020 – 3.7 million more than in 2019 and the most since 2009. There has been an “alarming increase” in “zero dose” children – those missing out on any vaccination – which rose to 17.1 million last year from 13.6 million, said Ephrem Lemango, UNICEF chief of immunisation. Many live in war-torn countries or slums, he said. Sixty-six countries postponed at least one immunisation campaign against preventable diseases, although some including Mexico have begun catch-up programmes, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kids' future at risk: 23 million missed out on routine vaccinations due to COVID-19

As a response to the reemergence of measles, which surged during the Covid restrictions, Kenya has resumed its measles vaccination programme on&nbsp;priority.&nbsp;

In 22 of Kenya's 47 counties where outbreaks are highest, a 10-day campaign is underway for four million children aged nine months to five years. The aim is to protect them against highly contagious measles and rubella.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-shadow-of-ebola-and-covid-19-measles-rips-through-congo-288051">In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo</a>

According to the health ministry, measles is the third most common vaccine-preventable cause of death among children. In 2020, less than half of the children in the East African country had received their second dose of the vaccine, while 85 per cent had received the first dose.

A total of 16,061 health workers will be involved in the exercise.

Efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the state of vaccination in Kenya revealed a major increase in unvaccinated children. A record number of unvaccinated children, a cumulative group of more than 2.1 million susceptible children, and the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a> contributed to breakouts, noted&nbsp;the ministry.

WHO recommends that at least 95 per cent of the combined coverage of MCV1 and MCV2 vaccines is required to prevent outbreaks. However, since 2013, the number of first doses being administered across sub-Saharan Africa has stagnated at 69 per cent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-three-times-higher-than-last-year-who-246324">Global measles cases three times higher than last year: WHO</a>

The WHO reports that in 2019, only seven countries had reached 95 per cent vaccination coverage against measles.

According to WHO estimates, 16.6 million children in Africa did not receive supplementary vaccination against measles from January 2020 to April 2021.

During efforts to contain the Covid outbreak, the WHO reported tens of thousands of cases of measles in eight African countries in April.

The most effective means of keeping these children safe is the vaccine, says UNICEF representative Maniza Zaman in Kenya. Zaman also&nbsp;added that unless the virus circulation is stopped, children under five are at a greater risk of dying from complications related to measles.&nbsp;

In 2020, only 11 countries met their targets for measles surveillance, according to the WHO.

The number of global measles cases more than quadrupled in the last 23 years. From 132,490 cases in 2016 to 869,770 cases in 2019 a steep increase can be seen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 207,500 deaths were reported, nearly doubling mortality rates.

As a response to the reemergence of measles, which surged during the Covid restrictions, Kenya has resumed its measles vaccination programme on priority. In 22 of Kenya's 47 counties where outbreaks are highest, a 10-day campaign is underway for four million children aged nine months to five years.

As a response to the reemergence of measles, which surged during the Covid restrictions, Kenya has resumed its measles vaccination programme on priority. In 22 of Kenya's 47 counties where outbreaks are highest, a 10-day campaign is underway for four million children aged nine months to five years. The aim is to protect them against highly contagious measles and rubella. Also read | In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo According to the health ministry, measles is the third most common vaccine-preventable cause of death among children. In 2020, less than half of the children in the East African country had received their second dose of the vaccine, while 85 per cent had received the first dose. A total of 16,061 health workers will be involved in the exercise. Efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the state of vaccination in Kenya revealed a major increase in unvaccinated children. A record number of unvaccinated children, a cumulative group of more than 2.1 million susceptible children, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic contributed to breakouts, noted the ministry. WHO recommends that at least 95 per cent of the combined coverage of MCV1 and MCV2 vaccines is required to prevent outbreaks. However, since 2013, the number of first doses being administered across sub-Saharan Africa has stagnated at 69 per cent. Also read | Global measles cases three times higher than last year: WHO The WHO reports that in 2019, only seven countries had reached 95 per cent vaccination coverage against measles. According to WHO estimates, 16.6 million children in Africa did not receive supplementary vaccination against measles from January 2020 to April 2021. During efforts to contain the Covid outbreak, the WHO reported tens of thousands of cases of measles in eight African countries in April. The most effective means of keeping these children safe is the vaccine, says UNICEF representative Maniza Zaman in Kenya. Zaman also added that unless the virus circulation is stopped, children under five are at a greater risk of dying from complications related to measles. In 2020, only 11 countries met their targets for measles surveillance, according to the WHO. The number of global measles cases more than quadrupled in the last 23 years. From 132,490 cases in 2016 to 869,770 cases in 2019 a steep increase can be seen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 207,500 deaths were reported, nearly doubling mortality rates.

Kenya resumes Measles vaccination programme amid Covid crisis

The number of children sickened by measles in 2019 was the highest in 23 years, according to new data published by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a study published on Thursday, WHO and CDC said there were nearly 870,000 cases of measles last year, and the number of deaths " about 207,500 " increased by almost 50% since 2016.

Officials blamed the record number of cases on a significant drop in vaccination; children must receive two doses of the measles vaccine to avoid being sickened by the highly contagious disease.

"These data send a clear message that we are failing to protect children from measles in every region of the world," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement.

To prevent measles outbreaks, WHO estimates about 95% of the population must be immunized.

Vaccination coverage using two measles vaccines has stalled between about 70% and 85% globally.

WHO and CDC warned that the global efforts to stop the coronavirus pandemic have also complicated measles vaccination campaigns, allowing the disease to spread further.

The agencies said that, as of this month, more than 94 million people in 26 countries are at risk of missing their measles shots because of paused measles vaccination campaigns " and many of those countries are suffering ongoing epidemics.

Of countries with delayed immunization services this year, only eight have restarted: Brazil, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines and Somalia.

Measles mostly strikes children under five and can be fatal in those who are malnourished or have compromised immune systems.

While more than 95% of deaths caused by measles occur in developing countries, the disease routinely causes large outbreaks across Europe every year.

The number of children sickened by measles in 2019 was the highest in 23 years, according to new data published by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of children sickened by measles in 2019 was the highest in 23 years, according to new data published by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a study published on Thursday, WHO and CDC said there were nearly 870,000 cases of measles last year, and the number of deaths " about 207,500 " increased by almost 50% since 2016. Officials blamed the record number of cases on a significant drop in vaccination; children must receive two doses of the measles vaccine to avoid being sickened by the highly contagious disease. "These data send a clear message that we are failing to protect children from measles in every region of the world," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement. To prevent measles outbreaks, WHO estimates about 95% of the population must be immunized. Vaccination coverage using two measles vaccines has stalled between about 70% and 85% globally. WHO and CDC warned that the global efforts to stop the coronavirus pandemic have also complicated measles vaccination campaigns, allowing the disease to spread further. The agencies said that, as of this month, more than 94 million people in 26 countries are at risk of missing their measles shots because of paused measles vaccination campaigns " and many of those countries are suffering ongoing epidemics. Of countries with delayed immunization services this year, only eight have restarted: Brazil, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines and Somalia. Measles mostly strikes children under five and can be fatal in those who are malnourished or have compromised immune systems. While more than 95% of deaths caused by measles occur in developing countries, the disease routinely causes large outbreaks across Europe every year.

870,000 measles cases in 2019, the highest number in 23 years

Sri Lanka and Maldives have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation's South-East Asia region to eliminate both measles and rubella ahead of a 2023 target, the U.N. Health agency announced Wednesday.

This success is encouraging and demonstrates the importance of joint efforts&nbsp;in combating diseases as the world grapples with the coronavirus, WHO South-East Asia regional director Poonam Khetrapal Singh said in a statement.

A country is considered to have eliminated measles and rubella when there is no evidence of endemic transmission of the viruses for more than three years and there is a well- performing surveillance system.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-admits-covid-19-may-be-airborne-though-didnt-confirmed-311594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Maldives reported its last endemic case of measles in 2009 and rubella in October 2015, while Sri Lanka reported its last endemic case of measles in May 2016 and rubella in March 2017.

WHO praised the efforts of countries in the region to continue vaccinating children while battling the coronavirus pandemic. It said all of the countries in recent years have introduced two doses of measles vaccine and at least one dose of rubella vaccine in their routine immunisation programmes.

First-dose coverage of measles vaccine is now 88 per cent and second-dose coverage 76 per cent&nbsp;in the region, WHO said. Since 2017, nearly 500 million more children in the region have been vaccinated for measles and rubella, it said.

Last September, the 11 countries in WHO's South-East Asia region set 2023 as a target for the elimination of measles and rubella. The countries in the WHO region are Bangladesh, Bhutan, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, North Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

WHO said Bhutan, East Timor and North Korea have succeeded in eliminating measles.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka and Maldives have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation's South-East Asia region to eliminate both measles and rubella ahead of a 2023 target, the U.

Sri Lanka and Maldives have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation's South-East Asia region to eliminate both measles and rubella ahead of a 2023 target, the U.N. Health agency announced Wednesday. This success is encouraging and demonstrates the importance of joint efforts in combating diseases as the world grapples with the coronavirus, WHO South-East Asia regional director Poonam Khetrapal Singh said in a statement. A country is considered to have eliminated measles and rubella when there is no evidence of endemic transmission of the viruses for more than three years and there is a well- performing surveillance system. Maldives reported its last endemic case of measles in 2009 and rubella in October 2015, while Sri Lanka reported its last endemic case of measles in May 2016 and rubella in March 2017. WHO praised the efforts of countries in the region to continue vaccinating children while battling the coronavirus pandemic. It said all of the countries in recent years have introduced two doses of measles vaccine and at least one dose of rubella vaccine in their routine immunisation programmes. First-dose coverage of measles vaccine is now 88 per cent and second-dose coverage 76 per cent in the region, WHO said. Since 2017, nearly 500 million more children in the region have been vaccinated for measles and rubella, it said. Last September, the 11 countries in WHO's South-East Asia region set 2023 as a target for the elimination of measles and rubella. The countries in the WHO region are Bangladesh, Bhutan, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, North Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. WHO said Bhutan, East Timor and North Korea have succeeded in eliminating measles.

WHO says Sri Lanka and Maldives eliminate measles, rubella

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind.

Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus.

Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

"I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath.

Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable.

Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain.

Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention

Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight.

After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend.

"Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO).

Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit.

The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala.

Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat.

In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles.

During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range.

Tiny Graves

Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated.

Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient.

The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-inadequate-testing-techniques-causing-silent-carriers-to-spread-covid-19-288044" hreflang="en">Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?</a>

Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died.

It is unclear why the vaccines failed.

Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry.

But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting.

"There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping.

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind. Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus. Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers "I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath. Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable. Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain. Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight. After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend. "Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO). Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit. The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala. Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat. In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles. During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range. Tiny Graves Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated. Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient. The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave. Also read: Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19? Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died. It is unclear why the vaccines failed. Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry. But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting. "There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage."

"While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London.

The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-online-anti-vaxxers-fuelling-samoa-measles-deaths-266415">U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths</a>

The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months.

Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said.

"Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-vaccine-now-mandatory-to-limit-deadly-outbreak-262803">Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak</a>

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday. Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage." "While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London. The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF. Also read: U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months. Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said. "Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch." Also read: Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak

Measles vaccine drive aims to protect 45 million children in Africa, Asia

Continuing with its 'neighbourhood first' policy, India on Thursday supplied Maldives 30,000 doses of Measles vaccines within 72-hours of the request by the country.&nbsp;

The Indian Ocean Island country is facing an outbreak of the measles as &nbsp;4 cases were tested positive in last one week.

The Maldives had approached Denmark, which said that it will take one month to supply the vaccine, while UNICEF also gave around the same time-period of 4 weeks.&nbsp;

On Monday afternoon, the country's health ministry approached the Indian mission which agreed to send the consignment.

The consignment, procured from the Serum Institute of India, was handed over Maldivian health minister Abdulla Ameen. by Indian envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir today.

A release from the mission said, "India’s swift response underlines that India has the capability to respond quickly and health remains one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation. This gesture also emphasises the mutually supportive roles of India’s neighbourhood first policy and the Maldives’ India first policy, acting for the benefit of our peoples."

New Delhi is already engaged in the Maldives' health sector. It is building a 100-bed cancer hospital in Hulhumale.

This is not the first time, India has responded to an emergency in the Maldives.&nbsp;

In 2015, India responding to the water crisis in Malé due to breakdown of the main RO plant, airlifted water and sent supplies by ship to the country.&nbsp;

In 2004, after the tsunami struck the country, it sent immediate relief.&nbsp;

In 1988, India responded to an SOS from the then President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on account of Coup with swift action by sending paratroopers onboard IL-76 aircraft.

Continuing with its 'neighbourhood first' policy, India on Thursday supplied Maldives 30,000 doses of Measles vaccines within 72-hours of the request by the country.

Continuing with its 'neighbourhood first' policy, India on Thursday supplied Maldives 30,000 doses of Measles vaccines within 72-hours of the request by the country. The Indian Ocean Island country is facing an outbreak of the measles as 4 cases were tested positive in last one week. The Maldives had approached Denmark, which said that it will take one month to supply the vaccine, while UNICEF also gave around the same time-period of 4 weeks. On Monday afternoon, the country's health ministry approached the Indian mission which agreed to send the consignment. The consignment, procured from the Serum Institute of India, was handed over Maldivian health minister Abdulla Ameen. by Indian envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir today. A release from the mission said, "India’s swift response underlines that India has the capability to respond quickly and health remains one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation. This gesture also emphasises the mutually supportive roles of India’s neighbourhood first policy and the Maldives’ India first policy, acting for the benefit of our peoples." New Delhi is already engaged in the Maldives' health sector. It is building a 100-bed cancer hospital in Hulhumale. This is not the first time, India has responded to an emergency in the Maldives. In 2015, India responding to the water crisis in Malé due to breakdown of the main RO plant, airlifted water and sent supplies by ship to the country. In 2004, after the tsunami struck the country, it sent immediate relief. In 1988, India responded to an SOS from the then President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on account of Coup with swift action by sending paratroopers onboard IL-76 aircraft.

After emergency request, India sends 30 thousand measles vaccines to Maldives within 72-hours

A devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-online-anti-vaxxers-fuelling-samoa-measles-deaths-266415">measles outbreak</a> continued to spread in Samoa, data released Monday showed, as the death toll from the epidemic climbed to 70, mostly young children.

Official figures showed there were 112 new cases in the 24 hours to Monday morning, despite a massive immunisation drive last week that saw the entire Pacific nation shut down for two days.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/samoa-measles-outbreak-death-toll-rises-to-62-266337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government said the mobile vaccination teams had succeeded in ensuring 90 per cent of the 200,000-strong population was immunised, up from around 30 per cent when the epidemic began in mid-October.

However, the vaccine takes 10-14 days to take effect, meaning it is too early to say whether the outbreak has peaked.

The total number of cases was 4,693, with 229 people currently in hospital, including 16 critically ill children.

Infants are the most vulnerable to measles, which typically causes a rash and fever but can also lead to brain damage and death.

Among the 70 dead, 61 are children aged four or under.

Health authorities have blamed anti-vaxxers spreading conspiracy theories for the low immunisation rate that left Samoa's children so vulnerable to a measles outbreak.

Outbreaks elsewhere in the Pacific, including Tonga, Fiji and American Samoa, have been easier to contain because of higher immunisation rates, with no deaths reported.

A devastating measles outbreak continued to spread in Samoa, data released Monday showed, as the death toll from the epidemic climbed to 70, mostly young children.

A devastating measles outbreak continued to spread in Samoa, data released Monday showed, as the death toll from the epidemic climbed to 70, mostly young children. Official figures showed there were 112 new cases in the 24 hours to Monday morning, despite a massive immunisation drive last week that saw the entire Pacific nation shut down for two days. Watch: The government said the mobile vaccination teams had succeeded in ensuring 90 per cent of the 200,000-strong population was immunised, up from around 30 per cent when the epidemic began in mid-October. However, the vaccine takes 10-14 days to take effect, meaning it is too early to say whether the outbreak has peaked. The total number of cases was 4,693, with 229 people currently in hospital, including 16 critically ill children. Infants are the most vulnerable to measles, which typically causes a rash and fever but can also lead to brain damage and death. Among the 70 dead, 61 are children aged four or under. Health authorities have blamed anti-vaxxers spreading conspiracy theories for the low immunisation rate that left Samoa's children so vulnerable to a measles outbreak. Outbreaks elsewhere in the Pacific, including Tonga, Fiji and American Samoa, have been easier to contain because of higher immunisation rates, with no deaths reported.

Samoa measles crisis: Death toll hits 70 as total number of cases soar

Almost 62 people died from a measles outbreak in Samoa in the latest flare-up of a global epidemic of the virus.

Samoa measles outbreak: Death toll rises to 62

The death toll from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-outbreak-kills-20-mostly-children-264050">measles outbreak</a> in Samoa has risen to 60 on Wednesday&nbsp;in the latest flare-up of a global epidemic of the virus.

The vast majority of deaths were of children, with 52 out of the 60 aged four or under dying from the disease, according to a government update.

Nineteen-year-old mother Elsie Lolesio lost her one-year-old daughter Noel, only three days apart from the death of her one-year-old nephew Fatau'u Junior. They are buried next to each other.

Lanuola Naseri buried her only son on Wednesday, with the help of donations that allowed her to purchase him a suit and shirt for his funeral.

There are now more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-vaccine-now-mandatory-to-limit-deadly-outbreak-262803">4,000 cases of measles</a> recorded in the island nation's deeply religious population of around 200,000.

Watch: Global measles cases three times higher than last year

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-measles-cases-three-times-higher-than-last-year-who-246340/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Neighbouring New Zealand and a number of other countries and organisations, including the UN&nbsp;agency UNICEF, have delivered thousands of vaccines, medical supplies and have sent medical personnel to help with the outbreak.

Measles, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-three-times-higher-than-last-year-who-246324">a highly contagious virus</a> that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, has been reported also in other Pacific nations, including Tonga and Fiji, but there have been no reports of deaths and the countries have greater vaccination coverage.

Tonga's ministry of health said in a statement late last week that there were 394 cases of suspected measles identified, but only eight people required hospitalisation.

Measles cases are rising worldwide, even in wealthy nations such as Germany and the United States, as parents shun immunisation for philosophical or religious reasons, or fears, debunked by doctors, that such vaccines could cause autism.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll from a measles outbreak in Samoa has risen to 60 on Wednesday in the latest flare-up of a global epidemic of the virus. The vast majority of deaths were of children, with 52 out of the 60 aged four or under dying from the disease, according to a government update.

The death toll from a measles outbreak in Samoa has risen to 60 on Wednesday in the latest flare-up of a global epidemic of the virus. The vast majority of deaths were of children, with 52 out of the 60 aged four or under dying from the disease, according to a government update. Nineteen-year-old mother Elsie Lolesio lost her one-year-old daughter Noel, only three days apart from the death of her one-year-old nephew Fatau'u Junior. They are buried next to each other. Lanuola Naseri buried her only son on Wednesday, with the help of donations that allowed her to purchase him a suit and shirt for his funeral. There are now more than 4,000 cases of measles recorded in the island nation's deeply religious population of around 200,000. Watch: Global measles cases three times higher than last year Neighbouring New Zealand and a number of other countries and organisations, including the UN agency UNICEF, have delivered thousands of vaccines, medical supplies and have sent medical personnel to help with the outbreak. Measles, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, has been reported also in other Pacific nations, including Tonga and Fiji, but there have been no reports of deaths and the countries have greater vaccination coverage. Tonga's ministry of health said in a statement late last week that there were 394 cases of suspected measles identified, but only eight people required hospitalisation. Measles cases are rising worldwide, even in wealthy nations such as Germany and the United States, as parents shun immunisation for philosophical or religious reasons, or fears, debunked by doctors, that such vaccines could cause autism. (With inputs from agencies)

Samoan measles outbreak kills 60 including 52 children

Samoa was finalising plans for a compulsory measles vaccination programme Monday, after declaring a state of emergency as a deadly epidemic sweeps the Pacific nation.

At least six fatalities, including five children, have been linked to the outbreak of the virus, which has also hit other island states such as Tonga and Fiji.

Samoa is the worst affected with more than 700 cases reported from across all areas of the country, prompting the government on Friday to invoke emergency powers.

Declaring a state of emergency, the government said plans for compulsory measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisations would be published on Monday.

"MMR vaccinations for members of the public who have not yet received a vaccination injection is now a mandatory legal requirement for all of Samoa," it said.

A national emergency operations centre to coordinate the measles response was opened on Monday.

However, no information was immediately available on how the vaccinations would be administered or whether those who were not immunised would face sanctions.

Children are the most vulnerable to measles, which typically causes a rash and fever but can also lead to blindness, brain damage and death.

Samoa has closed all schools, kindergartens and the country's only university in a bid to halt the virus' spread.

New Zealand, which is experiencing its own measles outbreak in the Auckland region, will this week send 12 nurses and 3,000 MMR doses to assist Samoa's public health response.

University of Auckland immunologist Helen Petousis-Harris said even though measles was already widespread, the mass rollout of vaccinations could help limit the number of cases and reduce the death count.

She said it was also important to boost Samoa's low levels of immunisation and help prevent future outbreaks.

"In Samoa, the proportion of people who are immune to measles is very, very low, one of the lowest in the world," she told AFP.

"So if they aren't able to improve that, this is going to happen again."

The country's vaccination programme was briefly suspended last year when two babies died shortly after being given a vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Subsequent investigations found the problem was not the widely used vaccine but the fact that the nurses administering prepared it incorrectly.

Neighbouring Tonga last week announced government primary schools and kindergartens would be closed until later this month as the number of measles cases in the kingdom approaches 200.

Fiji has reported four cases but says they are contained to a township west of the capital Suva.

Samoa was finalising plans for a compulsory measles vaccination programme Monday, after declaring a state of emergency as a deadly epidemic sweeps the Pacific nation.

Samoa was finalising plans for a compulsory measles vaccination programme Monday, after declaring a state of emergency as a deadly epidemic sweeps the Pacific nation. At least six fatalities, including five children, have been linked to the outbreak of the virus, which has also hit other island states such as Tonga and Fiji. Samoa is the worst affected with more than 700 cases reported from across all areas of the country, prompting the government on Friday to invoke emergency powers. Declaring a state of emergency, the government said plans for compulsory measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisations would be published on Monday. "MMR vaccinations for members of the public who have not yet received a vaccination injection is now a mandatory legal requirement for all of Samoa," it said. A national emergency operations centre to coordinate the measles response was opened on Monday. However, no information was immediately available on how the vaccinations would be administered or whether those who were not immunised would face sanctions. Children are the most vulnerable to measles, which typically causes a rash and fever but can also lead to blindness, brain damage and death. Samoa has closed all schools, kindergartens and the country's only university in a bid to halt the virus' spread. New Zealand, which is experiencing its own measles outbreak in the Auckland region, will this week send 12 nurses and 3,000 MMR doses to assist Samoa's public health response. University of Auckland immunologist Helen Petousis-Harris said even though measles was already widespread, the mass rollout of vaccinations could help limit the number of cases and reduce the death count. She said it was also important to boost Samoa's low levels of immunisation and help prevent future outbreaks. "In Samoa, the proportion of people who are immune to measles is very, very low, one of the lowest in the world," she told AFP. "So if they aren't able to improve that, this is going to happen again." The country's vaccination programme was briefly suspended last year when two babies died shortly after being given a vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Subsequent investigations found the problem was not the widely used vaccine but the fact that the nurses administering prepared it incorrectly. Neighbouring Tonga last week announced government primary schools and kindergartens would be closed until later this month as the number of measles cases in the kingdom approaches 200. Fiji has reported four cases but says they are contained to a township west of the capital Suva.

Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak

The Philippines recorded its second case of polio on Friday, as it prepared to vaccinate millions of children against a disease believed to have been eradicated two decades ago.

A five-year-old boy in Laguna, south of the capital Manila, tested positive for the polio virus, the Health Department said, the second case this week after a three-year-old girl was confirmed to be infected on Monday in a province about 1,400 km away.

Health officials appealed to parents and caregivers of children to take part in the government's Polio Vaccination Programme, which comes as the Philippines grapples to tackle twin outbreaks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-suspends-worlds-first-dengue-vaccine-25587">dengue</a> and measles that have killed more than 1,000 people since January, most of them children.

"The polio vaccinations happen all year round, but our coverage dropped for the past five years", Rolando Enrique Domingo, an undersecretary of the Department of Health, told Reuters.

"We've learned our lesson. It is time to move on and really start vaccinating all kids and make sure we sustain this every year", he added.

The polio virus was detected in the sewage systems of Davao in a nearby province two months ago, and in Tondo, a rundown area of Metro Manila notorious for slum communities, Domingo said.

Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the last three countries where the disease is endemic. The last known case in the Philippines had been in 1993, the World Health Organization says.

Immunisation coverage in the Philippines is at 70%, below the recommended rate of 95%, Domingo said, as trust in vaccines declines.

The boy who tested positive in Laguna has been discharged from hospital already, officials said on Friday. The other case was confirmed on Monday and reported on Thursday in Lanao del Sur, one of the country's poorest provinces.

Vaccination teams will aim to administer polio drops to every child younger than five, he added.

There is no cure for polio, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, but it can be prevented with vaccines.

The virus spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in underdeveloped or war-torn regions where healthcare access is limited.

Children nationwide are at risk as long as a single child remains infected, the United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, has said.

The Philippines has faced a challenge recently in convincing parents to vaccinate children after it scrapped a dengue immunisation programme using Sanofi's Dengvaxia in late 2017, following its linkage to child deaths.

More than 800,000 children received the vaccine. The records of 119 dead children are being examined to determine if Dengvaxia was to blame, a panel of medical experts said in March.

The inquiry continues and Sanofi has repeatedly said that its vaccine is safe.

A vaccine campaign that started in August in the historic heart of Manila will be expanded to cover more than 5 million children and will go nationwide next year, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a speech on Friday.

The Philippines recorded its second case of polio on Friday, as it prepared to vaccinate millions of children against a disease believed to have been eradicated two decades ago.

The Philippines recorded its second case of polio on Friday, as it prepared to vaccinate millions of children against a disease believed to have been eradicated two decades ago. A five-year-old boy in Laguna, south of the capital Manila, tested positive for the polio virus, the Health Department said, the second case this week after a three-year-old girl was confirmed to be infected on Monday in a province about 1,400 km away. Health officials appealed to parents and caregivers of children to take part in the government's Polio Vaccination Programme, which comes as the Philippines grapples to tackle twin outbreaks of dengue and measles that have killed more than 1,000 people since January, most of them children. "The polio vaccinations happen all year round, but our coverage dropped for the past five years", Rolando Enrique Domingo, an undersecretary of the Department of Health, told Reuters. "We've learned our lesson. It is time to move on and really start vaccinating all kids and make sure we sustain this every year", he added. The polio virus was detected in the sewage systems of Davao in a nearby province two months ago, and in Tondo, a rundown area of Metro Manila notorious for slum communities, Domingo said. Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the last three countries where the disease is endemic. The last known case in the Philippines had been in 1993, the World Health Organization says. Immunisation coverage in the Philippines is at 70%, below the recommended rate of 95%, Domingo said, as trust in vaccines declines. The boy who tested positive in Laguna has been discharged from hospital already, officials said on Friday. The other case was confirmed on Monday and reported on Thursday in Lanao del Sur, one of the country's poorest provinces. Vaccination teams will aim to administer polio drops to every child younger than five, he added. There is no cure for polio, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, but it can be prevented with vaccines. The virus spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in underdeveloped or war-torn regions where healthcare access is limited. Children nationwide are at risk as long as a single child remains infected, the United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, has said. The Philippines has faced a challenge recently in convincing parents to vaccinate children after it scrapped a dengue immunisation programme using Sanofi's Dengvaxia in late 2017, following its linkage to child deaths. More than 800,000 children received the vaccine. The records of 119 dead children are being examined to determine if Dengvaxia was to blame, a panel of medical experts said in March. The inquiry continues and Sanofi has repeatedly said that its vaccine is safe. A vaccine campaign that started in August in the historic heart of Manila will be expanded to cover more than 5 million children and will go nationwide next year, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a speech on Friday.

Philippines to vaccinate millions as Polio virus resurfaces in two children

The world is backsliding in the fight against measles, which can disable or kill, especially children, with a record number of cases recorded up to August only since 2006 and nearly three times as many cases than in July 2018 at that time, the World Health Organization (WHO)

Global measles cases three times higher than last year: WHO

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared an epidemic of measles which may have killed 1,500 people, according to statistical analysis.

"We have been seeing an increase in the number of suspected cases of measles since the start of the year, with a total of 87,000 suspected cases" reported by mid-May, Health Minister Oly Ilunga Kalenga said Monday.

"Mortality is estimated at 1.8 per cent," he said.

This rate translates to about 1,500 deaths, the health ministry and aid agency Doctors Without Borders (MSF) estimated.

The minister said medical teams had found cases of measles in 23 out of 26 provinces in the vast central African country.

He announced a renewed, large-scale vaccination programme to try to counter the outbreak.

In April, 2.24 million children aged between six months and 59 months were vaccinated over four days and another immunisation campaign covering 1.4 million children will be launched "in the coming days," Kalenga said.

"Vaccination is the only public health intervention that is capable of putting an end to the measles epidemic," he added in a statement.

"To stop the chain of measles transmission and prevent future epidemics, at least 95 per cent of the population" must be vaccinated, said the minister.

A nation the size of continental western Europe, the DRC is also struggling to contain an outbreak of deadly Ebola disease in two eastern provinces.

A total of 1,384 lives have been lost since August 1, according to an official tally.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared an epidemic of measles which may have killed 1,500 people, according to statistical analysis.

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared an epidemic of measles which may have killed 1,500 people, according to statistical analysis. "We have been seeing an increase in the number of suspected cases of measles since the start of the year, with a total of 87,000 suspected cases" reported by mid-May, Health Minister Oly Ilunga Kalenga said Monday. "Mortality is estimated at 1.8 per cent," he said. This rate translates to about 1,500 deaths, the health ministry and aid agency Doctors Without Borders (MSF) estimated. The minister said medical teams had found cases of measles in 23 out of 26 provinces in the vast central African country. He announced a renewed, large-scale vaccination programme to try to counter the outbreak. In April, 2.24 million children aged between six months and 59 months were vaccinated over four days and another immunisation campaign covering 1.4 million children will be launched "in the coming days," Kalenga said. "Vaccination is the only public health intervention that is capable of putting an end to the measles epidemic," he added in a statement. "To stop the chain of measles transmission and prevent future epidemics, at least 95 per cent of the population" must be vaccinated, said the minister. A nation the size of continental western Europe, the DRC is also struggling to contain an outbreak of deadly Ebola disease in two eastern provinces. A total of 1,384 lives have been lost since August 1, according to an official tally.

DR Congo fears 1,500 dead from measles epidemic

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000.

"I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination.

"Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added.

Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD).

SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare. Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000. "I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination. "Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added. Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD). SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

Get your children vaccinated or face fine: German health minister

The worst measles outbreak in at least two decades has shown no sign of abating, and New York State accounts for the majority of cases, despite persistent pleas from officials to vaccinate.

Gravitas: What We Know About the Measles Outbreak in US

The number of measles cases in the United States reached a record-setting 704 for the year last week, the greatest number of cases in 25 years, health officials said Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that as of April 29, 704 measles cases have been confirmed in 22 US states since the start of the year.

That was a jump of 78 cases from the previous week, it said.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 but this year has seen the greatest number of confirmed cases since 1994.

Three per cent of the measles cases developed pneumonia, while nine per cent were serious enough to require hospitalization, said CDC director Robert Redfield.

"At this time, there has been no death," Redfield said.

There were 17 measles outbreaks in 2018, but most of the cases were from outbreaks in New York state, New York City, and New Jersey -- mainly among unvaccinated members of Orthodox Jewish communities, the CDC said.

"Families are being targeted with inaccurate and misleading information about vaccines," said Nancy Messonnier, head of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

Federal health officials are struggling to counter disinformation spread by groups opposed to vaccinations.

"We know vaccines are safe because they are among the most studied medical products we have," said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.

The vast majority of measles cases "involve children who have not been vaccinated," Azar said.

According to the CDC, 94 per cent of children entering kindergarten in the United States in 2017 had received their two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect them from mumps, measles and rubella.

However, the rate of vaccination is lower in certain communities such as the Orthodox Jews in the New York area, where the epidemic continues, and the Russian-speaking community in Washington state, where the epidemic was declared over last week.

The number of measles cases in the United States reached a record-setting 704 for the year last week, the greatest number of cases in 25 years, health officials said Monday.

The number of measles cases in the United States reached a record-setting 704 for the year last week, the greatest number of cases in 25 years, health officials said Monday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that as of April 29, 704 measles cases have been confirmed in 22 US states since the start of the year. That was a jump of 78 cases from the previous week, it said. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 but this year has seen the greatest number of confirmed cases since 1994. Three per cent of the measles cases developed pneumonia, while nine per cent were serious enough to require hospitalization, said CDC director Robert Redfield. "At this time, there has been no death," Redfield said. There were 17 measles outbreaks in 2018, but most of the cases were from outbreaks in New York state, New York City, and New Jersey -- mainly among unvaccinated members of Orthodox Jewish communities, the CDC said. "Families are being targeted with inaccurate and misleading information about vaccines," said Nancy Messonnier, head of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Federal health officials are struggling to counter disinformation spread by groups opposed to vaccinations. "We know vaccines are safe because they are among the most studied medical products we have," said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. The vast majority of measles cases "involve children who have not been vaccinated," Azar said. According to the CDC, 94 per cent of children entering kindergarten in the United States in 2017 had received their two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect them from mumps, measles and rubella. However, the rate of vaccination is lower in certain communities such as the Orthodox Jews in the New York area, where the epidemic continues, and the Russian-speaking community in Washington state, where the epidemic was declared over last week.

Number of US measles cases rises to 704 in 2019: Official

The United States has confirmed 695 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-up-300-percent-year-on-year-who-210766&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjP2svjn-vhAhVdk3AKHQRDArYQFjAAegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CbrYg0HwDuq6xXfAxFk-d">measles cases</a> so far this year, the highest level since the country declared it had eliminated the virus in 2000, the US&nbsp;Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday.

The resurgence, which public health officials blamed in part on the spread of misinformation about the safety of vaccines, has been concentrated mainly in Washington state and New York with outbreaks that began late last year.&nbsp;

"The longer these outbreaks continue, the greater the chance measles will again get a sustained foothold in the United States," the CDC warned in a statement. It said outbreaks can spread out of control in communities with lower-than-normal vaccination rates.

Although the disease was eliminated from the country in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer continually present year-round, outbreaks still happen via travellers coming from countries where measles is still common, the CDC says.

As of Wednesday, the number of measles cases so far this year exceeds the 667 cases reported in all of 2014, which had been the highest annual number recorded since the elimination in 2000.

The virus has been recorded in 22 states so far in 2019, the CDC said.

The virus can lead to deadly complications, but no measles deaths have been reported in the latest outbreaks.

Responding to the new figures, US&nbsp;Health Secretary Alex Azar urged greater vaccination, saying in a statement that the vaccine`s "safety has been firmly established over many years."

"The United States is seeing a resurgence of measles, a disease that had once been effectively eliminated from our country," he said.

Measles has been on the rise globally.

More than 110,000 cases were reported in the first three months of 2019, according to the World Health Organisation, based on provisional data.

That is a 300 per cent increase compared with the same period the previous year.&nbsp;

"A PREVENTABLE OCCURRENCE"

The largest outbreak has been in New York City where officials said at least 390 cases have been recorded since October, mostly among children in Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn, making it the city`s worst outbreak since 1991.

That total included 61 cases recorded in the last six days, of which two were pregnant women, the city`s health department said on Wednesday.

The CDC echoed city health officials in saying this outbreak was fuelled by the misinformation being spread about the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

A vocal fringe of parents opposes vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific studies, that ingredients in them can cause autism.

Nationwide, the number of children getting vaccinated has remained "high and stable" for several years, the CDC said.

New York City`s Health Department took the unusual step earlier this month of issuing an emergency order requiring unvaccinated people in affected neighbourhoods to get the MMR vaccine unless they could otherwise show they had immunity.

It has issued civil summonses to 12 people it said have defied the order.

They will each face a fine of up to $1,000 if found to be noncompliant at a hearing.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert with the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, called the resurgence a "completely preventable occurrence."

"We are fighting a disease now in 2019 that should have been off the table in the 1960s with the development of the vaccine," he said.

"It should be viewed as an embarrassment that so many Americans have turned away from vaccines that we are having a record year for measles." 
&nbsp;

The United States has confirmed 695 measles cases so far this year, the highest level since the country declared it had eliminated the virus in 2000, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday.

The United States has confirmed 695 measles cases so far this year, the highest level since the country declared it had eliminated the virus in 2000, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday. The resurgence, which public health officials blamed in part on the spread of misinformation about the safety of vaccines, has been concentrated mainly in Washington state and New York with outbreaks that began late last year. "The longer these outbreaks continue, the greater the chance measles will again get a sustained foothold in the United States," the CDC warned in a statement. It said outbreaks can spread out of control in communities with lower-than-normal vaccination rates. Although the disease was eliminated from the country in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer continually present year-round, outbreaks still happen via travellers coming from countries where measles is still common, the CDC says. As of Wednesday, the number of measles cases so far this year exceeds the 667 cases reported in all of 2014, which had been the highest annual number recorded since the elimination in 2000. The virus has been recorded in 22 states so far in 2019, the CDC said. The virus can lead to deadly complications, but no measles deaths have been reported in the latest outbreaks. Responding to the new figures, US Health Secretary Alex Azar urged greater vaccination, saying in a statement that the vaccine`s "safety has been firmly established over many years." "The United States is seeing a resurgence of measles, a disease that had once been effectively eliminated from our country," he said. Measles has been on the rise globally. More than 110,000 cases were reported in the first three months of 2019, according to the World Health Organisation, based on provisional data. That is a 300 per cent increase compared with the same period the previous year. "A PREVENTABLE OCCURRENCE" The largest outbreak has been in New York City where officials said at least 390 cases have been recorded since October, mostly among children in Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn, making it the city`s worst outbreak since 1991. That total included 61 cases recorded in the last six days, of which two were pregnant women, the city`s health department said on Wednesday. The CDC echoed city health officials in saying this outbreak was fuelled by the misinformation being spread about the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. A vocal fringe of parents opposes vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific studies, that ingredients in them can cause autism. Nationwide, the number of children getting vaccinated has remained "high and stable" for several years, the CDC said. New York City`s Health Department took the unusual step earlier this month of issuing an emergency order requiring unvaccinated people in affected neighbourhoods to get the MMR vaccine unless they could otherwise show they had immunity. It has issued civil summonses to 12 people it said have defied the order. They will each face a fine of up to $1,000 if found to be noncompliant at a hearing. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert with the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security, called the resurgence a "completely preventable occurrence." "We are fighting a disease now in 2019 that should have been off the table in the 1960s with the development of the vaccine," he said. "It should be viewed as an embarrassment that so many Americans have turned away from vaccines that we are having a record year for measles."

US measles cases hit highest level since eradication in 2000

Measles cases rose 300 per cent worldwide through the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the UN said Monday, as concern grows over the impact of anti-vaccination stigma.

Measles, which is highly contagious, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) has in recent months sounded the alarm over slipping vaccination rates.&nbsp;

"Preliminary global data shows that reported cases rose by 300 per cent in the first three months of 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This follows consecutive increases over the past two years," it said in a statement.

"While this data is provisional and not yet complete, it indicates a clear trend. Many countries are in the midst of sizeable measles outbreaks, with all regions of the world experiencing sustained rises in cases," it added.

The agency noted that only about one in 10 actual measles cases are reported, meaning the early trends for 2019 likely underestimate the severity of the outbreaks.&nbsp;

So far this year, 170 countries have reported 112,163 measles cases to WHO. At this time last year, 163 countries had reported 28,124 cases.

Unvaccinated 'clusters'

Measles -- an airborne infection causing fever, coughing and rashes that can be deadly in rare cases -- had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems.

But the so-called anti-vax movement -- driven by fraudulent claims linking the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, and risk of autism in children -- has gained traction.

Repeated studies -- the most recent involving more than 650,000 children monitored for more than a decade -- have shown that there is no such link.

But according to WHO, global coverage for the first vaccine dose has been "stalled" at 85 per cent, while 67 per cent of people have received the second dose.&nbsp;

The provisional 2019 data shows that cases have spiked "in countries with high overall vaccination coverage, including the United States," WHO warned.&nbsp;

"The disease has spread fast among clusters of unvaccinated people," it added.&nbsp;

New York's mayor declared a public health emergency in parts of Brooklyn last week after a measles outbreak emerged in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, where some had resisted vaccination on religious grounds.

Calls have mounted in several countries to make measles vaccinations mandatory, including in Germany. Australia earlier this month launched a major education campaign to encourage residents to get vaccinated.

Turning the tide against measles will require "effective public-facing communication and engagement on the critical importance of vaccination, and the dangers of the diseases they prevent," WHO said.&nbsp;

700-per cent increase

While WHO has identified the junk science behind anti-vax propaganda as a public health threat, the data highlighted that measles still hit hardest in unstable countries with weak health systems.

The most dramatic rise in cases through the early part of the year was reported in Africa, which has weaker vaccination coverage than other regions. Africa saw a 700-per cent increase compared to last year.

At least 800 children have died from measles since September in Madagascar, where rampant malnutrition and a historically poor vaccine rate are driving the world's worse current outbreak.

In conflict-scarred Yemen, cases shot up more than 300 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017.

Venezuela, where the disease was once contained, has also seen tens of thousands of cases as the country's economic and political crises continue to push the healthcare system to the brink of collapse.

Measles cases rose 300 per cent worldwide through the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the UN said Monday, as concern grows over the impact of anti-vaccination stigma.

Measles cases rose 300 per cent worldwide through the first three months of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the UN said Monday, as concern grows over the impact of anti-vaccination stigma. Measles, which is highly contagious, can be entirely prevented through a two-dose vaccine, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) has in recent months sounded the alarm over slipping vaccination rates. "Preliminary global data shows that reported cases rose by 300 per cent in the first three months of 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This follows consecutive increases over the past two years," it said in a statement. "While this data is provisional and not yet complete, it indicates a clear trend. Many countries are in the midst of sizeable measles outbreaks, with all regions of the world experiencing sustained rises in cases," it added. The agency noted that only about one in 10 actual measles cases are reported, meaning the early trends for 2019 likely underestimate the severity of the outbreaks. So far this year, 170 countries have reported 112,163 measles cases to WHO. At this time last year, 163 countries had reported 28,124 cases. Unvaccinated 'clusters' Measles -- an airborne infection causing fever, coughing and rashes that can be deadly in rare cases -- had been officially eliminated in many countries with advanced healthcare systems. But the so-called anti-vax movement -- driven by fraudulent claims linking the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, and risk of autism in children -- has gained traction. Repeated studies -- the most recent involving more than 650,000 children monitored for more than a decade -- have shown that there is no such link. But according to WHO, global coverage for the first vaccine dose has been "stalled" at 85 per cent, while 67 per cent of people have received the second dose. The provisional 2019 data shows that cases have spiked "in countries with high overall vaccination coverage, including the United States," WHO warned. "The disease has spread fast among clusters of unvaccinated people," it added. New York's mayor declared a public health emergency in parts of Brooklyn last week after a measles outbreak emerged in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, where some had resisted vaccination on religious grounds. Calls have mounted in several countries to make measles vaccinations mandatory, including in Germany. Australia earlier this month launched a major education campaign to encourage residents to get vaccinated. Turning the tide against measles will require "effective public-facing communication and engagement on the critical importance of vaccination, and the dangers of the diseases they prevent," WHO said. 700-per cent increase While WHO has identified the junk science behind anti-vax propaganda as a public health threat, the data highlighted that measles still hit hardest in unstable countries with weak health systems. The most dramatic rise in cases through the early part of the year was reported in Africa, which has weaker vaccination coverage than other regions. Africa saw a 700-per cent increase compared to last year. At least 800 children have died from measles since September in Madagascar, where rampant malnutrition and a historically poor vaccine rate are driving the world's worse current outbreak. In conflict-scarred Yemen, cases shot up more than 300 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017. Venezuela, where the disease was once contained, has also seen tens of thousands of cases as the country's economic and political crises continue to push the healthcare system to the brink of collapse.

Global measles cases up 300%  year-on-year: WHO

Global measles cases up 300 percent year-on-year: WHO

A measles outbreak is feared to have killed about 100 malnourished people in Indonesia`s Papua, an official said Sunday, highlighting a health crisis in the country`s easternmost province.&nbsp;

A total of 69 toddlers have died in the remote Asmat region, said Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi, while reports on the ground suggest 27 people have died in an equally remote and mountainous district named Oksibil.

&quot;We have received reports from villagers that the outbreak is also happening in Oksibil district and our staff have confirmed that, but we still need to check how many people have died,&quot; Aidi told AFP.&nbsp;

&quot;Measles is not dangerous, it`s a mild disease. But because those children are malnourished, they can`t cope in that condition.&quot;

The government and military have sent medical teams and are supplying villagers with medicine, vaccines, medical equipment and nutritious food in Asmat. But the difficult terrain means the team will not arrive in Oksibil until Monday at the earliest, Aidi added.

Both areas suffer from a severe shortage of doctors and health facilities as well as poor infrastructure and communications networks, delaying news of the outbreak.&nbsp;

About 129,000 people live in Asmat, a swampy region cris-crossed by rivers that can only be accessed by a flight from Papua`s capital Jayapura followed by a helicopter and boat ride.&nbsp;

The district of Oksibil has a population of 4,000. To reach some of the villages, people must walk for about a day.

&quot;We have sent aid, now we are making sure that it is actually distributed to those remote villages and not just stocked in a warehouse,&quot; said social affairs minister Idrus Marham.

Jakarta proclaimed western Papua to be part of Indonesia after a self-determination referendum in 1969 which some regarded it as a sham.&nbsp;

When President Joko Widodo took office in 2014 he vowed to speed up the development in infrastructure in Papua to speed up economic growth.

A total of 69 toddlers have died in the remote Asmat region

A measles outbreak is feared to have killed about 100 malnourished people in Indonesia`s Papua, an official said Sunday, highlighting a health crisis in the country`s easternmost province. A total of 69 toddlers have died in the remote Asmat region, said Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi, while reports on the ground suggest 27 people have died in an equally remote and mountainous district named Oksibil. "We have received reports from villagers that the outbreak is also happening in Oksibil district and our staff have confirmed that, but we still need to check how many people have died," Aidi told AFP. "Measles is not dangerous, it`s a mild disease. But because those children are malnourished, they can`t cope in that condition." The government and military have sent medical teams and are supplying villagers with medicine, vaccines, medical equipment and nutritious food in Asmat. But the difficult terrain means the team will not arrive in Oksibil until Monday at the earliest, Aidi added. Both areas suffer from a severe shortage of doctors and health facilities as well as poor infrastructure and communications networks, delaying news of the outbreak. About 129,000 people live in Asmat, a swampy region cris-crossed by rivers that can only be accessed by a flight from Papua`s capital Jayapura followed by a helicopter and boat ride. The district of Oksibil has a population of 4,000. To reach some of the villages, people must walk for about a day. "We have sent aid, now we are making sure that it is actually distributed to those remote villages and not just stocked in a warehouse," said social affairs minister Idrus Marham. Jakarta proclaimed western Papua to be part of Indonesia after a self-determination referendum in 1969 which some regarded it as a sham. When President Joko Widodo took office in 2014 he vowed to speed up the development in infrastructure in Papua to speed up economic growth.

100 in Indonesia's Papua feared dead from malnutrition, measles

measles

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