Daily Current Affairs : 27-November-2023

A recent joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted a concerning rise in measles cases and deaths worldwide in 2022, witnessing an 18% increase in cases and a staggering 43% surge in fatalities compared to the previous year.

Global Impact:
  • The estimated number of measles cases has reached nine million, with deaths escalating to 136,000, primarily affecting children.
  • The report suggests that globally, 22 million children missed their first measles shot in 2022, with half residing in ten countries, including India.
Union Health Ministry’s Response:
  • The Union Health Ministry in India disputes the global figures, asserting that over 21,000 Indian children missed the measles vaccine shot.
  • It emphasizes that the WHO data relies on estimates and cites a more precise count of 263,632,270 children receiving the first dose in the fiscal year 2022-23.
About Measles:
  • Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, spreads through respiratory droplets, affecting the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body.
  • Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive body rash.
Measles in India:
  • Measles is a leading cause of childhood mortality in India, transmitted through aerosol droplets.
  • India contributes significantly to global measles-related deaths.
India’s Immunization Efforts:
  • The pandemic negatively impacted immunization rates, prompting initiatives like Mission Indradhanush to vaccinate the unvaccinated population.
  • India transitioned from outbreak-based to case-based surveillance, doubling the laboratories in the measles-rubella network.
Global Burden and Prevention:
  • WHO reports that measles vaccination prevented 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021.
  • Despite the availability of a cost-effective vaccine, measles deaths remained high, with 2022 seeing a decline in global vaccination rates.
COVID-19’s Impact:
  • The pandemic disrupted global vaccination efforts, leaving many children susceptible to diseases like measles.
  • Maharashtra and Kerala in India experienced a measles spike, leading the Indian Academy of Paediatricians to advocate for vaccinations.
Important Points:
  • Global Measles Surge (2022):
    • Cases increased by 18%, deaths by 43% worldwide.
    • Total cases: 9 million; deaths: 136,000, mostly among children.
  • Union Health Ministry’s Response:
    • Disputed global figures, stating 21,000 Indian children missed the measles vaccine.
    • WHO data based on estimates; precise count: 263,632,270 children received the first dose (FY 2022-23).
  • About Measles:
    • Highly contagious viral disease.
    • Spreads through respiratory droplets; symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and body rash.
  • Measles in India:
    • Leading cause of childhood mortality; transmitted through aerosol droplets.
    • India contributes significantly to global measles-related deaths.
  • India’s Immunization Efforts:
    • Impact of the pandemic on immunization rates.
    • Initiatives like Mission Indradhanush to vaccinate the unvaccinated population.
    • Transition to case-based surveillance; doubled laboratories in the measles-rubella network.
  • Global Burden and Prevention:
    • Measles vaccination prevented 56 million deaths (2000-2021).
    • Despite a cost-effective vaccine, 2022 saw a decline in global vaccination rates.
  • COVID-19’s Impact:
    • Disruption of global vaccination efforts.
    • Measles spike in Maharashtra and Kerala, prompting the Indian Academy of Paediatricians to advocate for vaccinations.
Why In News

In addition to the concerning rise in measles cases and deaths globally, the report underscores the urgent need for collaborative international efforts to strengthen vaccination programs and public health measures.

MCQs about Measles Challenges in 2022

  1. What is the primary symptom of measles?
    A. Stomachache
    B. Joint pain
    C. Rash all over the body
    D. Headache
    Correct Answer: C. Rash all over the body
    Explanation: Measles symptoms include a distinctive rash covering the entire body, in addition to high fever, cough, and runny nose.
  2. What is the primary mode of transmission for measles?
    A. Waterborne
    B. Vector-borne
    C. Airborne through respiratory droplets
    D. Foodborne
    Correct Answer: C. Airborne through respiratory droplets
    Explanation: Measles spreads easily through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions, such as coughing or sneezing.
  3. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact measles vaccination efforts globally?
    A. Increased vaccination rates
    B. No impact on vaccination efforts
    C. Disrupted vaccination efforts
    D. Improved surveillance
    Correct Answer: C. Disrupted vaccination efforts
    Explanation: The pandemic led to setbacks in surveillance and immunization efforts across the globe, leaving many children vulnerable to diseases like measles.

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