Global measles cases nearly doubled in one year, researchers say

The number of measles cases globally is on the rise, posing a challenge to elimination efforts in many countries. In 2022, there were 171,153 cases, which nearly doubled to 321,582 cases in 2023. The total number of cases so far in 2024 is over 94,000, with the highest incidence in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Yemen. The US has seen an increase in measles cases, with 128 reported this year, the highest since 2019. Measles, a highly contagious disease, can have serious health consequences, especially for unvaccinated children. It is crucial to maintain high vaccination rates and have swift outbreak responses to combat measles.