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WHO: Measles outbreaks spike globally

Priorix immunises against measles, mumps and rubella. (Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
MMR vaccination. Priorix immunises against measles, mumps and rubella. Photo: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Cases of measles around the world continue to spike, with major outbreaks in Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, the World Health Organization said in a health update on Wednesday.

By the numbers: The infectious disease can be prevented with two doses of measles-containing vaccine. There have been 440,263 confirmed cases reported to the United Nations health agency as of Nov. 5. In 2018, there were about 350,000 cases.

  • In Congo: More than 250,000 were suspected cases this year, including 5,110 deaths.
  • In Europe: There have been more than 56,000 cases in Ukraine.
  • Several other outbreaks have been reported in countries including Brazil, Bangladesh and the United States.

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Measles