The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **WHO Declares Six European Countries Have Lost Measles Elimination Status** The World Health Organization (WHO) has stripped the United Kingdom and five other countries—Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Spain, and Uzbekistan—of their measles elimination status, based on 2024 data showing a sharp resurgence in cases across Europe.[1][2][3] **Resurgence Driven by Over 125,000 Cases in 2024** Europe saw more than 125,000 measles infections in 2024, double the number from 2023, signaling a region-wide comeback of this highly contagious disease despite past progress.[1][3] **Declining Vaccination Rates Are the Culprit** Measles elimination requires at least 95% coverage with two doses of the MMR vaccine, but rates have dropped continent-wide, creating dangerous immunity gaps that allowed outbreaks to spread.[1][2][3] **UK's Specific Struggles with Low Uptake and High Cases** In the UK, MMR vaccination stands at just 84.5% overall, with England at 83.9%, far below the target; the country reported 3,681 cases in 2024 and 957 confirmed in England by early 2025.[1][2][3] **History of Gains and Losses in the UK** The UK first achieved measles elimination in 2016, lost it amid 2018 European outbreaks, regained it in 2021 thanks to COVID-19 disruptions, but saw endemic transmission return with the 2024 surge.[2] **What Losing Elimination Status Really Means** This status is revoked when endemic transmission—ongoing local spread—persists for over 12 months, not just isolated imports, putting health security at risk alongside other threats like antimicrobial resistance.[1][3] **Urgent Call for Action from Health Experts** WHO and UK officials stress stronger surveillance, outbreak responses, and catch-up vaccinations for under-immunized groups, emphasizing that two MMR doses protect 99% against measles.[1][2] **Path Back to Elimination Is Possible** With political will, funding, and targeted efforts to boost MMR uptake—first dose at 12 months, second at 18 months—countries can regain and sustain measles-free status, as 60% of WHO European nations still have.[1][2][3] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9