Russia grapples with alarming measles surge, highest in 30 years

In Russia, a record number of measles cases has been reported, according to the "Meduza" portal. People are increasingly suffering from whooping cough, chickenpox, and other infections. Both adults and children can get vaccinated against them.

Measles is a disease caused by the paramyxovirus that mainly affects preschool-aged children. It is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, though less often, it can be transmitted through contact with an infected person's urine.

The most significant risk is for minor children under five and individuals with weakened immune systems. One-quarter of those infected require hospitalization, and one in a thousand infected individuals dies.

In recent years, Europe has been struggling with increasing measles cases. Russians are also facing this challenge. The country has seen the highest number of measles cases in 30 years. In 2023 alone, 13,000 people fell ill, which is 128 times more than the year before.

As reported by the independent Russian portal Meduza, the occurrence of other infectious diseases has also increased. In 2023, nearly 53,000 people fell ill with whooping cough, 17 times more than in 2022. According to the project "To Be Precise," this marks a record in Russia since the dissolution of the USSR.

Obtaining up-to-date information on the infectious disease situation in Russia is currently challenging. In 2024, Rospotrebnadzor ceased providing monthly updates on this issue.

Measles cases are on the rise worldwide. However, the rates in Russia remain exceptionally high: in the entire European Union in 2023, there were 5.5 times fewer cases of this disease compared to Russia, that is, 0.5 cases per 100,000 people (compared to Russia's 8.92). In the United States in 2023, there were 131 measles cases or 0.04 cases per 100,000 people.

The World Health Organization claims that during the pandemic, disruptions in vaccine and medication deliveries resulted in millions of children without necessary vaccinations. In Russia, in 2022, 97 percent of six-year-old children were vaccinated against measles, but in 2023, this figure dropped to only 73 percent.

One reason for this drop is that in 2023, the company MSD ceased supplying Russia with the combined M-M-R-II vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Symptoms of measles in children, which appear at the earliest stages, include:

• sore throat,
• runny nose,
• dry cough,
• redness of the eyes,
• photophobia,
• inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Over time, another characteristic symptom of measles, a coarse, spotted rash, develops. It appears on the 4th to 5th day of illness and lasts about a week. It often accompanies a very high fever, possibly reaching up to 104°F (40°C). Cyanosis, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, and, typical for measles, excessive sleepiness and apathy may also accompany it.