Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is causing major outbreaks in several countries around the world.

Recently, the resurgence of this disease has been associated with economic downturns that impact the ability of people to access healthcare and afford immunizations.

A Global Issue: Measles Outbreak

Measles has been a long-standing global health issue responsible for many deaths among children worldwide. In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the number and severity of measles outbreaks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 140,000 people died from measles in 2018 alone, primarily in low-income countries. Even in developed countries, measles is still an issue because the increasing number of unvaccinated individuals contributes to the elevation of outbreak risks.

Economic Downturns and Measles Outbreaks

During economic downturns, the accessibility and affordability of healthcare become a major concern for governments and individuals alike.

In addition to reduced access to healthcare services, people also have less money to spend, which makes it difficult to afford preventive care measures such as vaccinations. These circumstances can lead to a decline in vaccination coverage, hence making populations more vulnerable to infectious diseases such as measles.

Measles Outbreaks in Developed Countries

Developed countries, such as the US and much of Europe, have recently experienced outbreaks of measles associated with economic downturns. In the US, the measles outbreak in 2019 was the largest since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.

The outbreak was most severe in New York, where vaccination rates were low and economic disparities were high.

Measles Outbreaks in Developing Countries

Developing countries are also affected by economic downturns and the resulting decline in healthcare accessibility and affordability.

For example, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of routine immunization programs in many African countries such as Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Role of Immunization in Containing Measles Outbreaks

Measles outbreaks can be contained through vaccination programs and healthcare interventions. Immunization is recognized as the most effective weapon for controlling measles outbreaks.

Also, early detection and isolation of cases can limit the spread of the disease. In particular, social distancing measures may help reduce the spread of measles and other infectious diseases during epidemics and pandemics.

Conclusion

Measles is a severe health issue with long-lasting impacts on individuals and communities. Economic downturns contribute significantly to the emergence of measles outbreaks, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and should be the focus of national and global health policies. By ensuring that vaccines are accessible and affordable through healthcare interventions, we can reduce the risk and impact of future measles outbreaks.