Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause meningitis, seizures, and even death in children and adults. While there's no specific treatment for the life-threatening disease, vaccination rates of 95% could stop its spread completely and provide life-long protection. Under-vaccinated or un-vaccinated populations risk causing large outbreaks in countries that have historically been measles-free. Public health agencies must heed the WHO's warnings.
The WHO in Europe is leading the push with charged calls for "urgent" action when it comes to vaccination for another disease outbreak. While the measles vaccine may have been an effective treatment for the disease over the past few decades, it's natural for individuals to have questions — especially after the confusing and polarizing COVID pandemic. Medical institutions are poised to address this outbreak but must be mindful of patients who carry reservations they wouldn't have had a few years ago.