Europe is currently facing a significant public health crisis — a measles epidemic that shows no signs of abating. Health experts are raising alarms about the ongoing situation, especially given the alarming statistics reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Since February 2016, Romania has been grappling with a measles epidemic, with 4,025 cases reported between September and March 31. Other European Union countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, have also recorded cases linked to this outbreak.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 500 measles cases in the European Region in January alone, with 17 fatalities in Romania as of March 10. Italy documented 238 cases within the first month of 2017, with expectations of similar figures for February. The WHO emphasizes that the disease is spreading, particularly in areas where immunization rates have fallen below the critical threshold of 95%, which is necessary to prevent outbreaks.
This decline in vaccination coverage not only raises the risk of additional outbreaks within the EU but also poses a threat of the disease reaching the United States. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 91.9% of children aged 19 to 35 months have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, this statistic varies significantly by state. For instance, only 86% of infants in Colorado, Ohio, and West Virginia have been vaccinated, creating a fertile ground for potential epidemics.
One in twelve children in the U.S. is not receiving their first dose of the MMR vaccine on schedule, indicating a widespread susceptibility to measles. The CDC warns that unvaccinated individuals remain at risk of infection, particularly when traveling internationally. Adults, especially those planning to travel to Europe, are advised to receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, with two doses recommended for international travelers.
In January alone, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, and Ukraine reported a total of 474 measles cases, with numbers likely to increase as vaccination rates remain below the 95% threshold. The years 2015 and 2016 saw relatively low measles case counts in the U.S., but the fear is that the situation could mirror the significant outbreaks of 2014, when the disease re-emerged in unvaccinated communities, such as the Amish population in Ohio.
It is critical for Europe to address its vaccination challenges to prevent a repeat of the past. If you want to learn more about home insemination options, check out this resource. For those interested in fertility solutions, Make a Mom offers valuable insights. Additionally, Science Daily is an excellent resource for information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the ongoing measles outbreak in Europe is a serious issue that could have far-reaching implications, including potential outbreaks in the U.S. It is crucial to improve vaccination rates to mitigate this public health risk.