The number of measles cases in Europe has hit a record high according to new figures by the World Health Organization (WHO).
More than 41,000 people contracted measles in Europe in the first six months of 2018 – almost twice the annual number of cases seen in 2017, which had – until now – been the worst year in a decade with some 24,000 infections.
“Following the decade’s lowest number of cases in 2016, we are seeing a dramatic increase in infections and extended outbreaks,” says Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO’s European director.
At least 37 people have also died so far this year as a result of the disease. Read more