**Global Measles Outbreak Sees Significant Rise in Cases and Deaths**

A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that nearly 107,500 individuals succumbed to measles globally in 2023. This staggering figure is part of a broader resurgence of the disease, with 10.3 million cases reported worldwide last year—an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.

The report highlights that children under the age of five have borne the brunt of this surge. Measles, known for its highly infectious nature and characteristic red, spotty rash, poses severe risks including pneumonia, encephalitis, and potential complications leading to long-term health issues such as deafness and intellectual disabilities.

In the United States, the situation has mirrored global trends, with reported measles cases multiplying sharply. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that in 2024, 277 cases were recorded across 30 states and the District of Columbia, a dramatic increase from the 59 cases reported in the previous year. Furthermore, there were 16 measles outbreaks in 2024, up from just four in 2023.

"The alarming rise in measles cases globally and here in the U.S. is a stark reminder of the consequences of falling vaccination rates," stated Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News medical contributor. He emphasized that the most vulnerable—especially young children—are being endangered by these preventable outbreaks.

CDC data underscores a troubling trend: measles vaccination rates have fallen below the national target of 95% for at least three years. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, disrupting routine childhood vaccinations and thus leaving millions of children susceptible. Notably, approximately 96% of measles cases this year involved children who were not fully vaccinated.

"We're now seeing the ripple effects of those missed doses, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen vaccination campaigns and public health initiatives to regain lost ground," Brownstein added.

The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the measles vaccine. The first dose should be administered between 12 and 15 months, and the second dose between four and six years. Both the WHO and CDC are advocating for enhanced surveillance to promptly identify and manage measles cases.

Globally, the vaccination rate for the first measles dose dropped to 81% during the COVID-19 pandemic—the lowest since 2008. This decline has left millions of children unprotected, catalyzing more cases and outbreaks despite the increased availability of vaccines in numerous countries since 2000. To combat this, the WHO has set a target vaccination coverage rate of 95% for nations seeking to achieve or maintain measles elimination status.