Measles cases in Europe tripled last year

[SidDithers]

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-47157020

Measles cases in Europe tripled between 2017 and 2018 to 82,596 - the highest number recorded this decade, data from the World Health Organization shows.

While vaccination rates are improving, the WHO says coverage is not high enough to prevent circulation of the virus in many countries.

Ukraine reported the highest number of measles cases last year - more than 10 times that of the next highest, Serbia.

Over 90% of cases were in 10 countries, including France, Italy and Greece.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can sometimes lead to serious health complications, including infections of the lungs and brain.

There were 72 deaths from measles in Europe in 2018 compared with 42 in 2017.

snip

Vaccination rates for measles, mumps and rubella in Ukraine fell sharply over a number of years during its conflict with Russia, reaching 31% in 2016 - among the lowest in the world.

Sid

[akraven]

1. This is getting scary.

I had all 3 as a kid - measles ruined my eyes at age 2. Rubella got a hold on me at 4. Mumps age 9. Pre-vaccine.

None were fun.

[tblue37]

2. One of my college students several years ago was rendered deaf by a childhood bout of measles. nt

[akraven]

3. These anti-vaxxers need to be called what they are.

Child abusers.