Measles can present itself with a rash in many cases(Image: Getty Images)

Victorian disease measles cases skyrocket by 20% in a single year - with kids most at risk

More than 107,500 people, mostly children, died from measles in 2023 with cases soaring by 20 per cent to 20.3 million cases around the globe, according to researchers in a joint study

by · The Mirror

Cases of the world's most infectious disease have skyrocketed by about 20 per cent in a single year with children under five being most at risk.

Children under five are most at risk of being infected with measles, a potentially fatal illness. Measles is highly contagious and spreads when a person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

The disease spreads throughout the body, causing a high temperature, runny nose and rash. But in severe cases it can result in brain swelling and potentially fatal pneumonia.

A joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 10.3million cases of measles had been reported across the globe. This represented a 20 per cent increase from 2022.

More than 107,500 died from measles in 2023( Image: Getty Images)

Getting vaccinated against measles is the best protection against the virus and spreading it to other people. But falling vaccination rates across the globe are leading to an increase in measles cases, health chiefs have said.

Due to gaps in vaccine uptake, 57 countries suffered measles outbreaks last year. Data showed an estimated 107,500 people, mostly children died due to the virus in in 2023.

The WHO said coverage of 95 per cent or greater of two doses of measles vaccine was needed in each country to prevent outbreaks and protect populations "from one of the world's most contagious human viruses."

Getting vaccinated against measles is the best way to prevent the virus from spreading( Image: Getty Images)

“Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.”

“The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. “The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.”

According to the NHS, there are several things you should do if you or your child have measles. It can help to:

  • rest and drink plenty fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration
  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature
  • give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure
  • use cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from your or your child's eyes