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WHO warns measles infections on the rise, after more than 10 million cases reported in 2023

FILE - In this March 27, 2019, file photo, a woman receives a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Rockland County Health Department in Pomona   -  
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Seth Wenig/Copyright 2019 The AP. All rights reserved.

Measles

According to the World Health organisation, more than 10 million cases of measles were recorded last year.

The figure represents a 20% increase in comparison to the previous year.

In 2023, the highly contagious disease claimed more than 107,000 lives, a majority of them children.

A fall in vaccine coverage is behind the spike in cases.

It's a trend that's occuring in different areas around the world, according to the director of the US Centres for Disease Control and prevention.

57 countries saw significant measles outbreaks last year; almost half were reported in Africa.

One of the most infectious diseases, measles can result in a rash, flu like symptoms and fever.

It can lead to serious complications, parlicularly in young children.

At least 95% measles vaccine coverage is required to avert outbreaks. However, 83% percent of children were administered with their first dose of the vaccine in 2023, and only 74% were given their second dose.

The WHO has warned that the global aim of eradicating measles by the end of the decade is under threat.