Measles outbreaks possible amid 'perfect storm' of conditions, WHO and UNICEF warn

A "perfect storm" of circumstances brewing for largescale measles outbreaks affecting children, WHO and UNICEF warn, as worldwide cases rise

The World Health Organization and UNICEF are warning of a "perfect storm" of circumstances fueling the potential for large-scale measles outbreaks, underscoring worrying signs of increased risk as infections around the globe this year are far above what they were this time last year.

In the first two months of 2022, reported measles cases worldwide increased by nearly 80%, compared to the same timeframe in 2021, the organizations said in a joint news release, adding that conditions are "ripe" for serious outbreaks of the vaccine-preventable illness.

"Pandemic-related disruptions, increasing inequalities in access to vaccines and the diversion of resources from routine immunization are leaving too many children without protection against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases," the organizations said, adding that the risk for large outbreaks "has increased as communities relax social distancing practices and other preventive measures for COVID-19 implemented during the height of the pandemic."

Almost 17,338 cases of the highly contagious disease were reported worldwide in January and February 2022, compared to 9,665 during the first two months of 2021.