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Measles Epidemic in Europe: A Significant Concern
Europe is currently facing a serious public health crisis in the form of a measles epidemic. Health officials warn that this issue is unlikely to resolve quickly. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that Romania has been grappling with a measles outbreak since February 2016, with 4,025 cases reported from last September through March 31. This outbreak has also triggered cases in several other EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.
The World Health Organization noted that over 500 measles cases were recorded in the WHO European Region in January alone, with 17 deaths reported in Romania as of March 10. Italy experienced 238 cases just in January 2017, and the trend is expected to continue. The WHO highlights that measles is likely to spread further in areas where vaccination rates fall below the crucial 95% threshold necessary to control outbreaks.
This situation not only raises concerns about potential further outbreaks within the EU—particularly in Italy—but also suggests the risk of the disease crossing the Atlantic and affecting the U.S. Although the CDC states that 91.9% of children aged 19 to 35 months in the U.S. have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, state-level data reveals that only 86% of children in states like Colorado, Ohio, and West Virginia have received their first dose. This gap presents a significant vulnerability for an epidemic.
The CDC has noted that measles importation remains a risk for unvaccinated individuals. In 2014, the U.S. saw a surge in measles cases, primarily due to the disease being introduced into unvaccinated communities for various reasons. The CDC recommends that adults without immunity receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, with two doses advised for international travelers, particularly those heading to Europe. Travelers not protected against measles are at risk of infection and could inadvertently spread the disease upon returning to the U.S.
In January alone, WHO reported that France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, and Ukraine accounted for 474 measles cases, with even higher numbers anticipated for February. All these countries fall short of the 95% vaccination threshold.
While the U.S. did not experience significant measles outbreaks in 2015 or 2016, the risk of a repeat of the 2014 crisis remains. There was a notable outbreak that year, with 383 cases primarily among the Amish community in Ohio. Given the current measles situation in Europe, it is crucial to keep a close eye on vaccination rates and ensure we do not experience a similar crisis in the future.
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In summary, the measles outbreak in Europe is a pressing concern, with potential implications for public health both locally and internationally. Vaccination rates must improve to prevent further spread of this contagious disease.